Stop Smoking

Have you been thinking about trying Chantix to quit smoking? Chantix (varenicline tartrate) is a non-nicotine prescription medicine that was developed by Pfizer, Inc. specifically to help people quit smoking. varenicline tartrate works on two levels. First, it partially activates sites in the brain, known as nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, that are affected by nicotine. This gives new ex-smokers mild nicotine-like effects and eases symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Second, varenicline tartrate has the unique ability to stop nicotine from attaching to those nicotine receptors if you do smoke while using it. Chantix has been discontinued however varenicline tartrate the generic form has been approved and is available. There are different ways to use varenicline. One way is to set a date to quit smoking before beginning treatment with this drug. Begin taking varenicline as directed by your doctor, 1 to 2 weeks before the quit date. Take one 0.5-milligram tablet once a day for 3 days, then increase to one 0.5-milligram tablet twice a day for 4 days. The dose is slowly increased to lessen the chance of side effects (such as nausea, unusual dreams). It is okay to smoke during this time. Stop smoking on the quit date. Take the dose prescribed by your doctor twice a day for the rest of the treatment period (usually 12 weeks).