Champix Makes Smoking Cessation Easy

About Champix



Varenicline Tartrate is the active ingredient in Champix anti-smoking medication. Champix has been successfully designed and formulated by the world renowned pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer Inc. The first drug preparation of its kind, Champix is a prescription medication exclusively meant for smoking cessation. In addition, this drug has been studied for compatibility to become the most significant therapeutic advance over existing therapies and has shown superior success rate.



Champix therapy has been most effective in encouraging smokers to give up smoking sincerely. Simultaneously, it has aided doctors who now want to help more and more smokers become smoke free.



The revolutionary ingredient Varenicline is exclusively designed and formulated for blocking the effect of nicotine in the brain. It functions on the areas in the brain that are usually affected by nicotine. This in turn helps smokers in a couple of ways:



It provides recompense from nicotine effects and eased withdrawal symptoms by blocking the nicotine effects if smoking is resumed. Those who are still looking forward to quit smoking must definitely give Champix a chance and then feel the difference.



Why Champix to quit smoking?



Champix is the drug of choice because it contains the active ingredient ‘Varenicline tartrate' which is a nicotine receptor antagonist. By attaching itself to those receptors in the brain that are normally used by nicotine, Varenicline fools the brain into thinking that it has received a dose of nicotine. This satisfies the urge for a smoke without the brain actually being fed any nicotine. Thus, the craving for a cigarette is fulfilled without actually smoking one.



Champix, in clinical trials, has proven to be highly effective as it takes away both the pleasure derived from smoking and the rewarding effect nicotine exerts on the brain. The basic action of nicotine is to boost the production of dopamine in the body and Champix acts in a similar manner. It increases the amount of dopamine produced by the body and so helps lower the craving for smoking.



How does Champix work?



Champix basically works by activating certain receptors in the brain and blocking the attachment of nicotine to these receptors. As a result, Champix is able to prevent the reward feeling that comes when smoke is inhaled. Without the proverbial ‘kick' dependency on nicotine gradually decreases and this enables a smoker to give up smoking with ease and without undergoing any withdrawal symptoms.



Champix Dosages



Champix is fairly simple to take as it comes in weekly dose packs. There is a starter pack which lasts 2 weeks and it consists of 0.5mg tablets and 1mg tablets which are coloured differently so that it can be recognized easily. These are to be taken as shown below:



Day 1-3: One 0.5mg tablet (white) daily

Day 4-7: One 0.5mg tablet twice daily (morning & evening)

Day 8 - end of treatment: One 1mg tablet (blue) twice daily (morning & evening)



These tablets must be ingested on a full stomach with a full glass of water. If a dose is missed, the next dosage remains the same and the dosing frequency remains the same. Doubling up on doses if you miss one could do more harm than good.



Champix dosage must be started only when one has made up his mind to give up smoking. Champix dose must be started one or two weeks prior to actually giving up smoking. So decide on a stop date and then start taking the medication before this date. You can keep on smoking up to the stop date but make sure you try your best to stop on the stop date - your strong will power to be smoke free can help you attain this goal. The manufacturers of Champix suggest that some people need a few weeks for it to be effective and deliver best results.



Champix Side Effects



Like any other prescription medication, side effects are a part and parcel of Champix also. But the degree of severity does differ in individuals. But, side effects are also a signal that the medication is taking effect within your body.



30% of the smokers who take Champix have been found to experience nausea and constipation as major drug side effects. Sleeping problems and unusual dreams are other psychiatric side effects which have been reported from time to time. However, these side effects are well tolerated in most people.



Not everybody taking the drug will have Champix side effects but in case it does become bothersome do consult a medical professional before starting or stopping Champix treatment abruptly.



Gastrointestinal side effects of Champix include:



· Nausea

· Abdominal Pain

· Flatulence

· Dyspepsia

· Vomiting

· Constipation

· Salivary Gland Conditions

· Dry mouth

· Psychiatric Disorders

· Sleep Disorder

· Insomnia

· Abnormal dreams

· Sleep disorder

· Nightmares



Champix side effects on the nervous system include:



· Headache

· Neurological Disorders

· Dysgeusia (taste disorder)

· Somnolence

· Lethargy and fatigue



Certain Champix side effects like a significant decrease in average systolic blood pressure may arise due to improper dosage.



Some of the rare Champix side effects include:



· Allergic reactions such as redness, itching or swelling of your skin

· Hives

· Burning

· Stinging or any other skin problems

· Swelling of the neck area

· Difficulty breathing



Benefits over other smoking cessation medicines



Champix is a new drug that particularly aids in smoking cessation, solving both physical and behavioral addiction. It is different from other ways to quit because it contains no nicotine. Even minus the nicotine, its formulation works on the same receptors as nicotine which helps in reducing the consistent urge to smoke. No other smoking cessation treatment has been shown to be more effective and more non-addictive. Moreover, it is a prescription only medicine and therefore its availability depends on whether the doctor considers you fit to take this drug.