Champix (Varenicline)
Champix (Varenicline)
Champix (Varenicline)
- Significantly increases chances of quitting smoking
- Does not contain nicotine
- Contains Varenicline, which relieves cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Champix contains no nicotine and works to relieve the craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with giving up smoking.
Champix is long-term out of stock. Varenicline works in the same way as Champix.
If you need additional stop smoking support, you can visit the our advice pages, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
How to take Champix
Before starting Champix, decide on a date in the second week of treatment on which to stop smoking.
Take 1 tablet a day for the first 3 days, then 2 tablets a day (1 in the morning, 1 in the evening) for the rest of the course.
Ensure you take the tablets as indicated on the pack, as the dose changes after the first week. Full details are included with the treatment – please ensure you read these and your prescription carefully.
A total course of 12 weeks is recommended. Request your starter pack and, if you're clinically suitable, we will make subsequent packs available in your Patient Record.
How does Champix work?
Varenicline is the active ingredient in Champix. It contains no nicotine but mimics the effects of nicotine on the brain. This reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Champix stimulates nicotinic receptors in the brain, which relieves the craving and withdrawal symptoms you can get when you stop smoking.
It also helps prevent nicotine from attaching to the receptors in the first place, so if you do relapse and have a cigarette, the nicotine you inhale will have a less enjoyable effect.
How long does Champix take to work?
Champix has been shown to increase the likelihood of successfully stopping smoking when compared to people who try to quit 'cold turkey'. Remember, you are more likely to quit smoking if you are motivated to stop.
How successful is Champix?
Champix has been proved to be one of the most effective stop smoking treatments. Studies have suggested that compared to a placebo Champix doubled the rate of success of quitting smoking. It’s important to remember Champix alone won’t help you quit smoking. You’ll also have to use your will power and change your lifestyle to help you quit smoking for good.
More info about Champix
What are the side effects of Champix?
Common side effects of this medicine include nausea (feeling sick), headaches, abnormal dreams, difficulty sleeping, increased appetite, altered taste sensation, dry mouth, dizziness, tiredness and sleepiness, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, feeling bloated, indigestion and flatulence.
If you suffer from dizziness or sleepiness from taking Champix, you should not drive, operate machinery or engage in any other potentially hazardous activities until the symptoms pass.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet.
Are there any rare side effects of Champix?
In extreme cases, some people experience rare side effects. These can include heart attacks, hallucinations, changes in thinking or behaviour (such as aggression and irrational behaviour), depression and suicidal thoughts.
If you become agitated, depressed or suicidal whilst taking Champix, you should stop your treatment and contact us via your online Patient Record. In case of an emergency, go to your nearest A&E department.
Does Champix make you gain weight?
Some people put on weight when they stop smoking. This is because smoking speeds up your metabolism and can suppress appetite, so once you stop you need less calories but may feel hungrier. On average people put on 5lbs in the first year after quitting smoking. The best way to avoid weight gain is eating a healthy balanced diet and maintaining a routine of exercise or activity.
However, research suggests that stop smoking treatments such as Champix do help limit weight gain in the first months after quitting.
What happens if I forget to take a tablet?
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet. It is important that you take Champix regularly at the same time each day. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, it is within 3-4 hours before your next dose, do not take the tablet that you have missed.
What happens when you stop taking Champix?
Typically patients are prescribed a 12 week course of Champix. If you have successfully stopped smoking by this time you will need no further treatment and will continue being a non-smoker. In a small number of cases (3 in a 100) this abrupt stop to treatment will increase irritability, craving to smoke, depression and/or problems sleeping for a short period. In some instances people will be prescribed a further round of treatment to help them continue their path to quitting.
What happens if you smoke while taking Champix?
It’s not dangerous to smoke while you’re taking Champix, in the first 1-2 weeks of Champix you continue smoking up until the ‘quit date’ you’ve set. After this time it’s not advised to carry on smoking, this is not because it is dangerous, it just means you will be less likely to quit completely.
Safety: taking other medicines
You should be able to take Champix alongside other medicines. However, as is true of all medication, Champix can interact with other medicines. This is why it is important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Champix safely.
Alternative treatments
There are many ways to quit smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy is one way and involves the use of lozenges, patches, gums, sprays and inhalers to substitute nicotine.
Other prescriptions medicines to help you quit smoking are varenicline and cytisine. There is also Zyban (bupropion). Zyban is not available through our service as studies show it has more side effects than Champix and is not as effective.
Counselling, hypnotherapy, acupuncture and quitting 'cold turkey' with no support are all other ways of quitting smoking.
