Champix is the European brand name for the drug varenicline, which is a prescription drug used to help smokers stop their habit. In the United States the medication goes by the name of Chantix. If you are a smoker you are probably wondering if this medication actually works. You may also be wondering whether or not there are side effects to this medication. The medication works in two ways. The main way it works is to curb nicotine cravings. The medication binds to the receptors in the brain that create cravings for nicotine. This means that the symptoms of withdrawal are lessened significantly, making quitting easier. Also, by binding to the nicotine receptors, Champix reduces the amount of satisfaction that the smoker receives from the act of smoking. These two actions greatly reduce the desire to smoke, helping the smoker quit more successfully.

In theory this should work, but much of what causes smokers to turn to their cigarettes over and over again is emotional and psychological. For this reason, not all smokers find success with Champix. In clinical trials, 44% of those who took the medication were able to quit within 12 weeks. In the group that received the placebo, only 11% of the smokers were successful at quitting within the 12 weeks. So, while the medication does not allow all smokers to quit, it is successful in boosting success rates for those who are serious about quitting.

Champix is a pill that is taken orally. If you are prescribed this medication, you will take .05 mg daily for the first three days. Then, for days four to seven you will take .05 mg two times a day. The dosage increases to 1 mg twice a day for the remainder of treatment.

If you are a smoker, you are probably thinking that this medication sounds like the help you need. You should know that there are some side effects you may experience from the medication. Few of them are serious, but they can be uncomfortable. You may experience stomach and bowel problems, like vomiting, nausea, gas, or constipation. You may also have difficulty sleeping and experience strange dreams. Headaches are another common complaint.

There have been some reports in the United States of patients suffering form psychiatric symptoms such as suicidal tendencies or erratic behavior after taking Champix. However, research has not yet determined whether the medication is to blame for these problems. It is possible that some nicotine withdrawal symptoms cause the problems. For this reason, doctors will monitor patients on Champix closely to determine if there are psychiatric problems present while they are on the medication and working towards quitting smoking.

If you are taking nicotine replacement therapy, you should not start Champix until you stop the therapy, because the effects of the two together has not yet been thoroughly studied. If you have kidney problems, you may need to take a lower dose. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should not take this medication. However, if you are not in one of these categories, you could find that Champix is the boost you need to help you get over your dependency and finally quit smoking.