Varenicline

Varenicline is a medicine that can be prescribed to help people quit smoking. It is different from other smoking cessation medications in that it does not contain any nicotine. The drug comes in tablet form and is generally taken once or twice a day for 12 weeks. Side effects that have been reported with varenicline include headache, insomnia, nausea, and abnormal dreams.

 

What Is Varenicline?

Varenicline tartrate (Chantix™) is a prescription medication that is used to help people stop smoking. Unlike many other medications used for this purpose, varenicline does not contain nicotine.
 
(Click What Is Varenicline Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Varenicline: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking varenicline if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Any mental illness
  • A history of suicidal behavior
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Varenicline to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 
(Varenicline Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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