Champix

Generic Name: Varenicline tartrate
Product Name: Champix

Indication: What Champix is used for

Champix is a medication which helps people quit smoking. Champix helps to decrease the withdrawal symptoms commonly experienced when stopping smoking.

Action: How Champix works

When people stop smoking they often experience withdrawal symptoms which are commonly associated with a reduced success rate. This is because when you have a cigarette the nicotine in the smoke enters your brain and reacts with cellular receptors. These receptors are called nicotinic receptors. When nicotine interacts with these receptors it generates the release of a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for a feeling of pleasure and well being associated with nicotine. The dopamine released in your brain only lasts for a very short time, when the amount of dopamine in your brain decreases your body wants to feel the same effects again and therefore you crave another cigarette. If you do not satisfy this craving you may experience withdrawal effects. The common withdrawal symptoms are:

• Craving for cigarettes;
• Restlessness;
• Changes in sleep patterns;
• Mood changes;
• Difficulty concentrating;
• Weight gain and appetite changes.

Champix works by interacting with these nicotinic receptors in a way similar to nicotine. Champix therefore decreases the withdrawal effects and increases the chances of quitting. Champix also blocks nicotine from interacting with these receptors as it takes up the space nicotine usually fits into. This means that if you smoke while taking Champix the pleasure you usually feel when you smoke is diminished. Champix does not contain any nicotine and it is not addictive.

Clinical trials have shown that Champix has had very good results with people stopping smoking in the long term.

Dose advice: How to use Champix

Champix is usually given as a 12 week treatment plan. Below are details which you should know about Champix therapy. Please follow all the directions given to you by your medical practitioner as they may differ from the information below. If you have any questions regarding how to use your medication please consult your medical practitioner immediately.

Before you start Champix therapy

• It is advised that you commit to a date on which you will stop smoking and advise your doctor of this date;
• Champix is given to help you quit smoking, things which should be done before you start treatment which will work with Champix to ensure the best possible chance of quitting long term are:
  • Inform family and friends that you are going to be quitting smoking and gain their support;
  • Avoid situations and people which may cause you to slip;
  • Make full use of all the information and resources offered to you by your doctor;
  • Create a quit plan;
  • Clear away things which you associate with smoking, such as ashtrays and cigarette lighters, etc.

Starting treatment

• You will begin Champix therapy one to two weeks BEFORE the date you have committed to as your quit date, this gives Champix time to start working. This means that you will be smoking while taking Champix;
• When you reach the date you have committed to you must stop smoking and continue with your Champix medication as directed by your doctor.

How to take Champix

• Champix is given in a pack containing 11 white tablets and 42 light blue tablets, you should take Champix as follows unless directed otherwise by your medical practitioner:
  • Days 1 to 3 of your treatment: Take ONE WHITE tablet ONCE a day;
  • Days 4 to 7 of your treatment: Take ONE WHITE tablet TWICE a day;
  • Days 8 until you finish treatment: Take ONE BLUE tablet TWICE a day;
• Swallow the tablet WHOLE with a glass of water;
• You may take Champix with or without food;
• It is best if you set a certain time each day to take your tablets to reduce the chance of you forgetting to take a tablet;
• Once you have finished your 12 week course please see your doctor as to what is the next step in your treatment plan.

What to do if you have forgotten a tablet

If you have forgotten to take a tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If you remember close to the time when you are supposed to be taking your next tablet DO NOT take both tablets, instead throw out the tablet you missed and continue taking the rest of your tablets as normal.

What to do if you start smoking again

• If you have just begun therapy and slip and start smoking after your quit date, try to quit again;
• If it is later in the treatment that you slip up, please see your doctor for advice.

Things you should be aware of

• Quitting smoking or starting Champix treatment may effect other medications you are taking. Please let your medical professional know of all other medications you are on  and any medical conditions you have before you start treatment;
• Before you know how Champix affects you, do not drive or operate and machinery.

Schedule of Champix

Champix is a S4 – prescription only medicine.

Side effects of Champix

Common side effects

All medicines have side effects. Most commonly the side effects are minor; however, some can be more serious. Usually the benefits of taking a medication outweigh the associated side effects. Common side effects are those which occur in more than 1% of patients given Champix. These include:

• Nausea;
• Headache;
• Constipation;
• Dizziness;
• Sleep disorders, including:
  • Insomnia;
  • Strange dreams;
  • Tiredness;
• Dry mouth;
• Flatulence;
• Reflux;
• Vomiting;
• Stomach ache;
• Appetite changes;
• Taste disturbances.

Uncommon side effects

Side effects which occur in less than 1% of patients given Champix are considered uncommon. Patients do not necessarily experience any of these side effects. Do not become alarmed by this list:

• Coordination problems;
• Tremor;
• Eye pain or altered vision;
• Rashes or itchy skin;
• Fast heartbeat;
• Trouble with speaking;
• Mood swings;
• Blood in either faeces or vomit;
• Depression or unusual thoughts;
• Allergy which can be associated with the following:
  • Swelling around and in mouth and of the face;
  • Breathing troubles;
  • Sudden severe itchy skin;
  • Rashes.

If you experience any of the listed side effects or any other symptoms which appear abnormal or unusual, please tell your doctor.

References

1. Champix. MIMS Online [online]. 2003 [cited 2008 January 27]. Available from: URL link
2. Sweetman Sean C, editor.  Martindale [electronic resource] : the complete drug reference. 35th ed. London: Pharmaceutical press: 2007. [cited 2008 January 27]. Available from: www.ovid.com

For further information talk to your doctor.