Chantix Starting Pack (Varenicline)

Do’s

• Talk to your healthcare provider about using Chantix and choose a quit-smoking strategy that works for you.
• Start taking Chantix 1-2 weeks before your quit date, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Follow the specific dosing schedule provided by your healthcare provider. It typically involves gradually increasing the dosage (0.5mg to 1mg tablets) over the first week.
• Take Chantix with food and a full glass of water.
• Continue taking Chantix for the full prescribed period (usually 12 weeks) even if you quit smoking earlier.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you experience any side effects or difficulty quitting smoking.
• If you're successful after 12 weeks, discuss continuing Chantix for another 12 weeks with your healthcare provider for increased long-term success.

Don'ts

• Don't take Chantix without a healthcare provider's prescription.
• Don't increase your dose or take Chantix more often than prescribed. It won't help you quit faster and can increase side effects.
• Don't smoke while taking Chantix unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
• Don't stop taking Chantix abruptly. Talk to your healthcare provider first.
• Don't use Chantix for any other condition without consulting your healthcare provider.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Sleep problems (trouble sleeping or vivid, unusual, or strange dreams)
• Constipation
• Gas
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Chills
• Confusion
• Cough
• Cool, pale skin
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Heartburn
• Irritability
• Itching
• Joint pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Redness and swelling at the application site
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Upset stomach
• Vaginal yeast infection
• Vomiting
• Weight gain

Serious Side Effects:

• Seizure
• Symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain, shortness of breath, unusual sweating)
• Signs of a stroke (such as weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion)
• Harmful behavior to self/others/property
• Allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, mouth (tongue, lips, and gums), throat, or neck, trouble breathing, rash with peeling skin, and blisters in the mouth
• Serious skin reactions, including rash, swelling, redness, and peeling of the skin

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Chantix starting pack,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to varenicline (the active ingredient in Chantix) or any other ingredients in the medication.

Disclose your medical history to your healthcare provider, especially if you have:

• Kidney disease
• Mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression
• Heart or blood vessel problems (coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke)
• History of seizures

Chantix may cause dizziness, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, or difficulty concentrating. Avoid activities requiring alertness (driving, operating machinery) until you know how this medication affects you. Discuss marijuana (cannabis) use with your healthcare provider, as it can worsen these effects.

Chantix may increase sensitivity to alcohol, leading to increased drunkenness, unusual behavior, and memory blackouts. Limit alcoholic beverages and be aware of how alcohol affects you while taking this medication.

Chantix should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

It is unknown if Chantix passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while using this medication.