Champix is the brand name that the prescription medication varenicline is sold under in the United Kingdom. Doctors commonly prescribe Champix to help patients quit smoking.
Function
Champix works by blocking the part of your brain that is sensitive to nicotine, causing similar effects upon your body but to a lesser degree. Champix also blocks those receptors in your brain so that if you do smoke, the nicotine will not be able to affect you.
Effects
Champix reduces the amounts of cravings for nicotine and eliminates some of the withdrawal symptoms from nicotine.
Time Frame
Champix should be taken approximately one to two weeks before you intend to quit smoking so that the drug can build up in your body before it comes time for you to quit completely, suggests NetDoctor. Your doctor will most likely prescribe the drug to you for 12 weeks and then renew your prescription one time if you have not been able to quit during that time.
Warning
Because Champix has the potential to make you dizzy or drowsy, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Champix affects you. In addition, some patients develop suicidal thoughts while taking Champix, warns NetDoctor.
Considerations
If you are pregnant or under the age of 18, it is not safe for you to take Champix. Those with a history of kidney disease, epilepsy, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or any other type of mental illness may not be able take Champix because of its side effects.
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