Varenicline is a prescription medicine that is licensed to help people stop smoking. This article from the eMedTV archives explains how varenicline works, offers general dosing information, and describes the effects of the medication.
Constipation, nausea, and gas are some of the more commonly reported side effects of varenicline. This eMedTV page lists other side effects that have been seen in clinical studies, including serious problems that may require prompt medical attention.
Varenicline uses are primarily focused on smoking cessation. This section of the eMedTV Web site explains how the medication works and discusses varenicline uses in more detail, including information on whether it can be used in children.
Varenicline is started at a low dose and slowly increased over time. As this page of the eMedTV library explains, varenicline dosing generally starts at 0.5 mg once a day, but is then increased to 0.5 mg twice daily and finally to 1 mg twice daily.
Varenicline is not likely to interact with other drugs. As this eMedTV article explains, while drug interactions with varenicline are not expected, you should still be aware that cimetidine may increase the level of varenicline in your blood.
Before taking varenicline, make sure to let your doctor know if you have kidney disease or any allergies. This eMedTV segment includes other precautions and warnings with varenicline and also offers information on those who should not take the drug.
