Chantix (Varenicline) is a selective α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist. Chantix has the potential to aid tobacco cessation by reducing the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and blocking dopaminergic stimulation.

Contraindications

• Use caution with Chantix in subjects with impaired renal function
• Not recommended for use in patients under 18
• Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus
• Chantix has no clinically meaningful pharmacokinetic drug interactions

Side Effects

• Nausea (30%)
• Sleep disturbances
• Constipation / Voiting / Gas
• Some reports of depression, agitation, and suicidal thoughts (although rare)
• May cause worsening of psychiatric illness or cause an old psychiatric illness to reoccur

Dose Instructions

Chantix dosing should start one week before the quit date. Take after eating. Most people will keep taking Chantix for up to 12 weeks.

• Day 1 to Day 3 . . . . . . . . . . White tablet (0.5 mg), 1 tablet each day
• Day 4 to Day 7 . . . . . . . . . . White tablet (0.5 mg), twice a day
                                (1 in the morning and 1 in the evening)
• Day 8 to end of treatment . . . . . Blue tablet (1 mg) twice a day
                                (1 in the morning and 1 in the evening)