What is Chantix?

If you have tried to quit you know it is tough. Several medical devices and drug therapies have come on the market in the last few decades in order to help smokers quit. One of these new drug therapies is Chantix.

What is Chantix?

Chantix is one of the newer drugs in the armory of nicotine addiction treatments. It is controversial because of the way it works and its potential lethal side effects. It also goes by the name “Champix” in the UK and several other countries

How does Chantix work?

Chantix works differently from nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in that instead of quitting cigarettes then replacing the nicotine, it blocks the nicotine from having the same effect in the brain. It is taken a week before your quit date and continued for a total cycle of 12 weeks. After the first few weeks the dosage is then increased. It is said to highjack the same dopamine receptors that nicotine does, blocking nicotine’s entrance. This essentially makes smoking undesirable.

What are the side effects?

Some of Chantix side effects are severe. The Institute for Safe Medical Practices has ranked Chantix first in reported deaths with nearly 300 completed suicides while using the product. Some patients become aggressive while taking Chantix or after stopping. Doctors usually don’t recommend the drug to patients with a history of depression or other psychological problems. Some people also experience a skin rash that may become fatal. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues, and sleep problems.

How well does it work?

When combined with stop smoking therapy, Chantix is effective in helping about 1 in 5 people quit. When used without any anti-smoking support system that number falls to about 1 in 10.

References:
http://quitsmoking.about.com/od/vareniclinechantix/f/chantix.htm
http://whyquit.com/pr/082506.html
http://www.chantix.com/common-questions.aspx
http://www.drugs.com/chantix.html

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