Like with all medications, there’s a risk of side effects. Common or very common side effects include changes in appetite, constipation, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pains, dry mouth, sleep problems, feeling sick and being sick, feeling tired, dizziness, skin reactions, and headaches. If you’re struggling with side effects, contact your GP or prescriber.

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.  

Varenicline is suitable for smokers over the age of 18 wanting to quit. You should not take varenicline if you are pregnant - it might also pass into your breast milk so it’s best to avoid. If you have a kidney, heart, or mental health condition, of if you have seizures, you will need check with your prescriber before you start treatment.

Yes. Varenicline works in the same way as Champix. Champix was withdrawn because an impurity was found in the medicine. The supply of varenicline we’re able to prescribe is safe to use and meets safety standards. 

It’s not dangerous to smoke while you’re taking varenicline during the first 1-2 weeks of treatment (you can 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.   

Varenicline does not contain nicotine and is not addictive.