Varenicline belongs to the class of medications called smoking cessation aids. The medication is used along with education and counseling to help people stop smoking. FDA approved it initially on 05 October 2006.

Varenicline is available as a tablet.  It is used in adults to help them stop smoking. It can help relieve the craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. It also reduces the enjoyment of cigarettes if you smoke when on treatment.  It works by blocking the pleasant effects of nicotine from smoking on the brain.

It is an orally available prescription drug. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of Varenicline based on your condition and other factors. Always take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Take the tablet with or without food. Do not break, chew, crush, or break the tablet. Swallow the whole tablet with water. Stop or reduce smoking when you are consuming this tablet.

The common side effects of varenicline are constipation, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, dream disorder, nightmares, headache, insomnia, cough, nasal and throat irritation. Other side effects are heart problems, sleepwalking disorder, night blindness, blurred vision, abnormal behavior, depression, mood disorder, and suicidal ideation.

This medicine may cause serious neuropsychiatric symptoms such as mood disorder, abnormal behavior, suicidal ideation, depression, and psychosis. Inform your healthcare professional immediately if you face any of these symptoms. This medicine may cause an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, serious skin reactions, and sleepwalking.

Inform your physician if you are facing depression, suicidal ideation, behavior, and suicidal attempts while taking the medicine. Inform your physician if you have heart, liver, seizures, skin diseases, and mental disorders. This medicine is not recommended for children. Avoid getting pregnant and breastfeeding during the treatment. Use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy. Do not consume alcohol while taking this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to varenicline or any ingredients. 

Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vaccinations, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications interact with varenicline and reduce its effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects. Inform your physician if you are using insulin, theophylline, or blood thinner (warfarin) medications.

Store the tablets below 30°C. Protect the medicine from light and excessive moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. If you forgot to take the tablet, take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. Your doctor may do lab tests to check the therapy's effectiveness or monitor the unwanted side effects.

This medicine should be administered cautiously in patients with kidney diseases. Dose adjustments are necessary. Inform your physician if you have kidney problems. This medicine may cause an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, serious skin reactions, and sleepwalking. Inform your physician immediately if you face any of these symptoms. Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

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The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.