Nicotinic partial agonist · generic Chantix

Varenicline.

Eases cravings and makes cigarettes less rewarding. A standard course is twelve weeks.

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varenicline

At a glance

Typical dose

0.5 mg stepping to 1 mg twice daily

Your physician sets your dose.

Form

Tablet

Generic, from a licensed US pharmacy.

Regulatory status

FDA-approved for smoking cessation.

Used in: Quit smoking

What to expect

The timeline.

Week 1Step-up dosing while you are still smoking.
Week 2Your quit date.
Weeks 2 to 12Twice daily with food and water. Vivid dreams are common.

Common side effects

Nausea, vivid dreams, trouble sleeping, headache.

Not suitable for

Tell your physician about kidney disease, seizures, or any history of serious mood problems.

This is a summary, not the full prescribing information. Read the leaflet that comes with your medication. Report side effects to your physician, or to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

The evidence

In the EAGLES trial of 8,144 smokers, 21.8% on varenicline were continuously smoke-free at weeks 9 to 24, against 9.4% on placebo (Anthenelli et al., The Lancet, 2016).

Published trial results, not okay. patient outcomes.

Varenicline

$59/mo

Includes physician care, messaging, medication if prescribed, and free discreet shipping.

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