Varenicline
Varenicline
Varenicline
- Significantly increases chance of quitting smoking
- Does not contain nicotine and blocks its effects
- Relieves cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Varenicline is a treatment that can help people stop smoking. The pill is safely available in the UK via a prescription.
It works in the same way as Champix to help you quit smoking. Champix was withdrawn because an impurity was found in the medicine. However, the supply of varenicline we’re able to prescribe is safe to use and meets safety standards.
How does varenicline work to quit smoking?
Varenicline does not contain nicotine. It helps you to stop smoking by working on receptors in the brain to stop nicotine binding to them. This reduces the rewarding effects of smoking. It also alleviates withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Helping you to fight the urge to smoke again.
As with all medicines you should consider the pros and cons of taking it:
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple to use which may mean you stick with it | Side effects such as nausea and constipation |
| Makes smoking less pleasurable | Need to take it around the same time each day |
| Helps you to gradually stop smoking | Requires a prescription |
| Chances of quitting are higher when taking varenicline | Recommended course is 12 weeks which may be longer than people expect to stop smoking |
| May be a good option for those who have tried to quit before with other methods | May seem expensive but cheaper than continuing to smoke |
In studies people who use varenicline to quit smoking had higher rates of success than those using another smoking cessation. 45.5% of participants quit smoking with varenicline compared to 33% using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
What are the side effects of varenicline?
Like with all medications, there’s a risk of side effects. If you’re struggling with side effects, contact your GP or prescriber.
Common or very common side effects include:
- Changes in appetite
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pains
- Dry mouth
- Sleep problems
- Feeling sick and being sick
- Feeling tired
- Dizziness
- Skin reactions
- Headaches
Some serious but uncommon side effects include convulsions, thoughts of hurting yourself and symptoms of heart attack. Rare and serious side effects include symptoms of stroke. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you get any of these.
For more information on side effects, see the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s website.
Common side effects may be temporary and although uncomfortable can be a better option than smoking for longer. The benefits of quitting smoking include lowering your risk of cancer, increasing your lung capacity, making breathing easier and improved taste.
“Quitting smoking can improve your health no matter your age. People who stop smoking decrease their risk of getting lung cancer by 30-50% after 10 years compared to people who keep smoking.” - Dr Bhavini Shah
How to take varenicline
Before starting varenicline, decide on a quit date in your second week of treatment. Then, for a week:
- Take one 0.5mg tablet for three days
- Take one 0.5mg tablet twice a day for four days
You will then increase to 1mg twice a day for the rest of your course – made up of either two 0.5mg tablets, or one 1mg tablet.
You must take the tablets as instructed on the pack. This is because the dose changes after the first three days. Make sure you read your prescription and the details included with your treatment carefully.
A 12-week course is recommended. Request your starter pack and then we’ll make future packs available to order from your Patient Record if we decide it’s clinically suitable.
How long does varenicline take to work?
You should notice the effects of varenicline after about a week or so of starting treatment. You may find you start craving cigarettes less. Even if you don’t notice any changes in the first few weeks you should keep taking varenicline.
