Varenicline is a stop-smoking pill, about to be released under the brand name, Chantix. It was invented by a chemist at Pfizer Inc., who used to be a heavy smoker himself, smoking up to 2.5 packs a day.
Stop-smoking pills are for smokers who want to get their fitness levels back and to feel good about themselves again. And they are designed to give those individuals who feel they cannot stop on their own, the support and aid they need. On average, 98% of smokers have difficulty quitting on their own, and this is quite normal because smoking is addictive.
Varenicline inhibits cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It actually slows the release of dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain, and this helps reduce cravings. It is described as preventing the highs and lows of smoking.
Varenicline, along Zyban, are quit-smoking drugs which can only be taken with a doctors prescription. Both Varenicline and Zyban have gained FDA approval which means that they have undergone significant testing. Zyban was initially FDA approved as an antidepressant, under the name of bupropion, but then rebranded as an quit smoking drug.
The treatment period of Varenicline is a 12 week period. A smoker actually needs to take this pill for an entire week, before having enough in the body. Many smokers will take Varenicline a second 12-week period, to increase their chances of remaining smoke-free.
As with any prescription drugs, its hugely important to talk to a doctor about your medical history, your smoking habits, and any medication that you may be taking. Varenicline is not an option for pregnant women or women who are breast-feeding. It can be harmful for people with a history of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Vareniclines most common side effect is nausea. You do want to ask your doctor about all the side-effects to make sure that in your particular case, Varenicline is an appropriate choice.
As with any stop-smoking treatment, you want to know what compels you to smoke over and over, so that once you’ve curbed the habit of smoking, you are aware of future triggers. You don’t want to quit using one method, and be one of those ex-smokers that starts smoking again because something happens in your life that makes you reach for a cigarette. You want to quit, with or without support, but then you want to know your triggers so that you are not tempted to start again.
