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The majority of smokers would like to quit smoking but have no idea which is the best method. Besides psychotherapy, acupuncture and other alternative healthcare treatments, there are also drugs that have been widely hyped to help individuals discontinue smoking.
So far, all drugs available to help discontinue smoking have been an abysmal failure. Now there is a new drug to help smokers kick the habit. The drug called varenicline (Chantix) is claimed to be the panacea for all smokers.
Varenicline is classified as a nicotine-receptor blocker. The drug has an affinity for nicotine receptors in the brain and, as a result, decreases or stops the pleasant effects of nicotine derived from smoking. In addition, by binding to nicotine receptors, Chantix does induce a mild stimulation, thus decreasing chances of developing withdrawal symptoms.
Unlike all previous non-smoking aides, Chantix appears to work differently. It is believed to act directly on nicotine receptors in the brain and help individuals overcome nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is known to act in such a way as the pleasure derived from nicotine is abolished. Pfizer, the company that produced Chantix, claims that, unlike all other previous anti smoking drugs, it is not a replacement for nicotine, nor is it an antidepressant like bupropion (Zyban).
Recent clinical data from a few clinical trials showed that Chantix was effective as an aid to stopping smoking and was much more effective than Zyban (another drug which was supposed to be the panacea for smokers). After 12 weeks, a significant number of smokers quit smoking. However, despite these trials, reports of individuals who have been helped by Chantix are rare.
Like all drugs, Chantix does have a few side effects, which include:
- Nausea
- vomiting
- Headache
- Excessive gas
- Difficulty sleeping
- Bizarre dreams
Do not take Chantix if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding. Chantix has not been studied in these situations, so it is not clear if it is safe for these women.
Add a Comment5 Comments
I have tried Chantix in the past and had none of the side affects that are listed. I quit taking it because Aetna refused to pay for it. I would like to start taking Chantix again because I want to quit smoking but can't afford it. Does Pfizer offer a reduced rate for those who can't afford it?
February 7, 2019 - 11:48amThis Comment
i am open to any criticism, but please did you bother to read part 2 of the Chantix summary....here it is below..just in case. you can read it in the second part of the article. thanks
FDA Advisory
Last month, the FDA approved safety-labeling modifications for varenicline tartrate tablets (Chantix, Pfizer, Inc) that include a black-box warning regarding the risk for severe neuropsychiatric symptoms. The possible neuropsychiatric problems that can occur include depression, mania, psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, hostility, agitation, anxiety
September 5, 2009 - 5:56amThis Comment
Chantix does have other side effects not noted in this article. For anyone interested in taking the medication, I strongly suggest doing plenty of your own research first.
I took this from Chantix.com :
What is the most important safety information about CHANTIX?
Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking CHANTIX, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping CHANTIX. If you, your family, or caregiver notice agitation, hostility, depression, or changes in behavior, thinking, or mood that are not typical for you, or you develop suicidal thoughts or actions, anxiety, panic, aggression, anger, mania, abnormal sensations, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion, stop taking CHANTIX and call your doctor right away. Also tell your doctor about any history of depression or other mental health problems before taking CHANTIX, as these symptoms may worsen while taking CHANTIX.
I think we should keep in mind that some people have had some personal terrible experiences with Chantix, therefore, this article may upset them.
September 3, 2009 - 6:01amWe are all entitled to our opinions while remaining polite at the same time-- Thank you.
This Comment
You left out the heavily reported side-effects of psychotic delusions, depression, suicidal tendencies, homicidal rage, and others similar to that.
It is almost as if you, a man writing news articles, do not READ any news articles.
I highly suggest you learn more about the stuff your promoting. You disgust me.
August 20, 2009 - 9:17amThis Comment
Sounds like your still on the medication. If your not, then whats your point. Your mood seems agitated, violent, rude and if your not taking the drug then you just proved that you can be the symptoms without the drug just as well.
September 2, 2009 - 7:03pmThis Comment