Varenicline

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.

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.

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

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nausea</li>
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constipation</li>
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gas</li>
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vomiting</li>
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heartburn</li>
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bad taste in the mouth</li>
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increased or decreased appetite</li>
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trouble falling asleep or staying asleep</li>
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unusual dreams or nightmares</li>
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drowsiness</li>
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headache</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

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swelling of the face, tongue, lips, gums, throat, arms, or legs</li>
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difficulty swallowing or breathing</li>
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rash</li>
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swollen, red, peeling or blistering skin</li>
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blisters in the mouth</li></ul>Varenicline may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

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 (Theo-24). 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 kidney disease. you should know that varenicline may make you drowsy, dizzy, or have difficulty concentrating. There have been reports of traffic accidents, near-miss accidents, and other types of injuries in people who were taking varenicline. 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.

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.