The drug Champix is a prescription pill of generic name varenicline that is designed to help smokers stop smoking. This is made possibel by reducing the smoker’s craving for nicotine. This is done by binding nicotine receptors in the brain with which the symptoms of withdrawal are reduced. Secondly, Champix creates a reduction in the satisfaction a smoker receives when smoking a cigarette.

It is because varenicline that is found in Champix is a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist that acts on the same receptors in the brain as nicotine does. With this action, the patient gets relieved of cravings and withdrawal symptoms one experiences while smoking. In addition to this, varenicline prevents nicotine from acting on the receptors and prevents the person from having an enjoyable and rewarding effect with nicotine.

Champix works better if you don’t smoke while taking the medication. It is better to set a target stop date when you start taking this medication. The date has to be within the first two weeks of treatment as Champix needs time to start working. and if you succeed in stopping smoking at the end of 12 weeks, you may be advised with an extra 12 weeks of treatment. when taking Champix, take it swallowed whole with water, with or without food.

Champix has to be used with caution if you have decreased kidney function, epilepsy and a history of psychiatric illness. Pregnant women and adolescents under the age of 18 are not advised to take Champix. As Champix makes you dizzy it is better to refrain from driving or operating machinery when on medication. The side effects associated with Champix are vomitting, headaches, gas, constipation and sleep disturbances.