Champix - is it for you?

Champix may be the right medication for you if you wish to stop smoking.

Champix is a new medication created by Pfizer (the company behind Viagra) that is indicated for smoking cessation in adult patients. Basically in one simple phrase; it helps you "kick the habit", and with the introduction of the smoking ban here in the UK right around the corner, it seems that right now is the right time! The active ingredient in Champix (known as Chantix in the US) is Varenicline and a really great thing about this medication is that it doesn't contain any nicotine, so there are none of those addictive qualities in it.

How does Champix work?

Basically by activating certain receptors in our brain and blocking the attachment of nicotine to these receptors, Champix prevents the reward feeling that we get when we inhale smoke. It therefore decreases the dependency on nicotine and throughout the length of the course enables you to give up smoking.

How Do I take Champix?

Champix is fairly simple to take as it comes in weekly dose packs. There is a starter pack which lasts 2 weeks and it consists of 0.5mg tablets and 1mg tablets which are coloured differently for ease of dosage recognition; these are to be taken as shown below:

Day 1-3 : One of 0.5mg tablet (white) daily
Day 4-7: One of the same 0.5mg tablets twice daily (morning & evening)
Day 8 - end of treatment: One of the 1mg tablets (blue) twice daily (morning & evening)

Always take it after eating and with a full glass of water and don't double up on doses if you miss one, just continue as normal.

When do I start taking Champix?

You should start taking Champix when you are ready to give up smoking!

Studies have shown that you are more likely to give up smoking if you have a reason to give up and if you know exactly why you are quitting. It may be something as simple as "i don't enjoy smoking any more" or "i can't catch my breath like i used to" but write it down so you know why you are doing this.

And believe it or not - you have to start Champix one or two weeks BEFORE you actually want to give up. So you need to decide a stop date and then start taking the medication before this date. You keep on smoking up to the stop date but make sure you try your best to stop on this stop date - remember that a little will power will be needed if you want to give up smoking completely..the manufacturers suggest that some people need a few weeks for it to work its best results.

What are the side effects of Champix?

The most common side effects seen in Champix are nausea, dream pattern changes, constipation, gas and vomitting. If any other side effects are experienced then contact your doctor to check.

How should I store Champix?

Champix is best stored at room temperature and should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat and obviously as with all medications, keep Champix out of the reach of children.