Have you been trying to quit smoking for a long time? We all know it's not easy. But there are medical methods that can help you on that journey. Today we're talking about one such special drug, the Varenicline pill. You may have heard of it under the brand name Chantix.
Simply put, what kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Varenicline is a medication that helps you quit smoking. The addictive chemical in cigarettes is nicotine. This medication does two main things. One is to reduce the pleasure and satisfaction your brain gets from nicotine when you smoke a cigarette. The other is to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms when you stop smoking.
Most importantly, this medication is most effective when used in conjunction with a supportive approach, such as a smoking cessation counseling program. The results are greater than taking the medication alone.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor should be aware of your complete health history. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially:
| Health condition or habit | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease | This medication may affect some heart patients. |
| If you have kidney disease or are on hemodialysis | The dose may need to be adjusted because the medicine is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. |
| Mental illness (such as depression, bipolar) | This medication can alter mental states, so special attention is required. |
| A history of seizures or stroke | You should be aware of the risks of these situations. |
| If you or a family member has had thoughts or attempts at suicide | This is very important. The drug can affect mood. |
| If you drink alcohol frequently | There may be an interaction between alcohol and this medication. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about the possible effects on the fetus. |
| If the baby is breastfed | The possibility of the drug passing to the baby through breast milk should be discussed. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
There are three main ways to start using this medication. Your doctor will choose the method that is best for you.
1. Planned method: First, you decide on a day when you will stop smoking. Then, you start taking this medicine a week before that day.
2. Flexible method: You start taking the pill first. Then, you decide to quit smoking completely one day , between 8 and 35 days after starting the pill.
3. Gradual reduction method: This method is good if you are not confident enough to quit all at once. You start taking the medication and gradually reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke per day as prescribed by your doctor. The goal is to quit smoking completely within 12 weeks .
How to take the medicine:
- These pills should always be taken after meals .
- When drinking, drink it with a full glass of water .
- Take the exact dose, at the exact time prescribed by the doctor.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital (telephone number 0112 686 143). Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
You should pay special attention to your safety and health while using this medicine.
- Mental health: This is very important . If you experience new or worsening symptoms of anxiety, irritability, depression, or suicidal thoughts while taking this medication, stop taking the medication immediately and tell your doctor . It is important that your family is aware of these changes.
- Alcohol: It is best to reduce or completely stop drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Some people may get more tired more quickly, behave strangely, and sometimes lose memory of things they did (amnesia) when they take alcohol with this medication.
- Sleepwalking: Some people taking this medication may experience sleepwalking, cooking, or talking on the phone at night, but may not remember it the next day. If this happens, tell your doctor immediately.
- Driving and using machinery: This medicine may make you feel sleepy, dizzy, or have trouble concentrating. Therefore, avoid doing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Diabetes Mellitus: If you have diabetes, quitting smoking may change the way your body responds to insulin. So talk to your doctor about whether you need to adjust your insulin dosage.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, Varenicline can cause side effects. It is important to be aware of these.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions / Angioedema | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue or limbs, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Pain or tightness in the chest, shoulder, arm, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking. |
| Mental and behavioral changes | As mentioned earlier, severe anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts. |
| Seizures | Sudden convulsions. |
| 🩺 Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes. That's why it's very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). There may be problems with the following in particular:
- Alcohol
- Insulin
- Other medications to stop smoking
- Theophylline - a drug used to treat asthma
- Warfarin - a drug used to prevent blood clotting
This list is not complete, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Take-Home Message
- Varenicline is an effective medication that helps you quit smoking, but it should only be used under the advice and supervision of a doctor.
- If you experience any changes in your mental state (especially depression, suicidal thoughts) while taking the medication, do not ignore it. Stop taking the medication immediately and inform your doctor.
- Avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
- Quitting smoking is a difficult journey. Don't let yourself get discouraged if you have one cigarette along the way. That's normal. The important thing is to keep going and keep working on your plan.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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