MedlinePlus Drug Information: Varenicline

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Other drug names:	A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

Varenicline

(var en' i kleen)

Contents of this page:
Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?	What side effects can this medication cause? What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? In case of emergency/overdose What other information should I know? Brand names

IMPORTANT WARNING: Return to top

[Posted 02/01/2008] FDA informed healthcare professionals and consumers of important revisions to the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS sections of the prescribing information for varenicline tartrate (Chantix) regarding serious neuropsychiatric symptoms experienced in patients taking varenicline tartrate. These symptoms include changes in behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and attempted and completed suicide. While some patients may have experienced these types of symptoms and events as a result of nicotine withdrawal, some patients taking varenicline tartrate who experienced serious neuropsychiatric symptoms and events had not yet discontinued smoking. In most cases, neuropsychiatric symptoms developed during varenicline tartrate treatment, but in others, symptoms developed following withdrawal of varenicline tartrate therapy. See the FDA Information for Healthcare Professionals Sheet for recommendations and considerations for healthcare professionals on using varenicline tartrate therapy for patients. For more information visit the FDA website at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Varenicline, http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/varenicline.htm, http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/2008/021928s007lbl.pdf and http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/InfoSheets/HCP/vareniclineHCP.htm.

Why is this medication prescribed? Return to top

Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.

Varenicline is used to help people stop smoking. Varenicline is in a class of medications called smoking cessation aids. It works by blocking the pleasant effects of nicotine (from smoking) on the brain.

How should this medicine be used? Return to top

Varenicline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with a full glass of water after eating. Take varenicline at around the same time(s) every day. If you are taking varenicline twice a day, take one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take varenicline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of varenicline and gradually increase your dose over the first week of treatment.

Set a quit date to stop smoking, and start taking varenicline 1 week before that date. You may continue to smoke during this first week, but make sure to try to stop smoking on the date you have chosen.

It may take several weeks for you to feel the full benefit of varenicline. You may slip and smoke during your treatment. If this happens, you may still be able to stop smoking. Continue to take varenicline and to try not to smoke.

You will probably take varenicline for 12 weeks. If you have completely stopped smoking at the end of 12 weeks, your doctor may tell you to take varenicline for another 12 weeks. This may help keep you from starting to smoke again.

If you have not stopped smoking at the end of 12 weeks, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can try to help you understand why you were not able to stop smoking and make plans to try to quit again.

Other uses for this medicine Return to top

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow? Return to top

Before taking varenicline,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to varenicline or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); insulin; other medications to help you stop smoking such as bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) and nicotine gum, inhaler, lozenges, nasal spray, or skin patches; and theophylline (TheoDur). Your doctor may need to change the doses of some of your medications once you stop smoking.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had depression or other mental illness, or kidney disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking varenicline, call your doctor.
you should know that varenicline may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
ask your doctor for advice and for written information to help you stop smoking. You are more likely to stop smoking during your treatment with varenicline if you get information and support from your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow? Return to top

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose? Return to top

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause? Return to top

Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.

Varenicline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

nausea
constipation
gas
vomiting
heartburn
bad taste in the mouth
increased or decreased appetite
trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
abnormal dreams or nightmares
depression
agitation
drowsiness
headache
rash

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so
changes in your usual thoughts, mood, or behavior

Varenicline may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine? Return to top

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose Return to top

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know? Return to top

Pending revision, the material in this section should be considered in light of more recently available information in the MedWatch notification at the beginning of this monograph.

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names Return to top

Chantix®

Last Revised - 12/01/2007
Last Reviewed - 01/01/2007

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer