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Champix Key Facts
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Chantix (USA)
About Champix
Champix contains the active ingredient varenicline and is used to help adults stop smoking. It works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and by blocking the rewarding effects of nicotine. Champix is a prescription-only medication and is typically used as part of a multi-disciplinary comprehensive smoking cessation program.
NowPatient offers Champix as a treatment for smoking cessation following an online consultation with a prescriber.
Key facts about Champix
- Used to help adults stop smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Common side effects include nausea, insomnia, and vivid dreams
- Should not be taken with nicotine replacement therapies unless under medical advice sought
- Works by binding to nicotine receptors in the brain to reduce the satisfaction gained from smoking
Who is Champix suitable for?
Champix is suitable for adult patients (18 and over) who want to quit smoking and have been assessed by a clinician as appropriate candidates for this type of treatment.
Who is Champix not suitable for?
Champix may not be suitable for you if you:
- Have a history of mental health conditions, including depression or suicidal thoughts or intent
- Have severe kidney disease (a dose adjustment may be necessary)
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are allergic to varenicline or any of the ingredients in Champix
Always speak with a NowPatient prescribing clinician to ensure this treatment is appropriate for you.
How and where to get Champix
You can buy Champix safely and securely through NowPatient. Start a free online consultation today. If you qualify for treatment, you’ll only pay for the medication. Your prescription will be delivered to your home or office by our licensed pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and clinically effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the stop smoking service, you can discuss if Champix is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of your consultation, the clinician will decide if Champix is suitable for you, involving you of course in the decision. If approved, you’ll receive a prescription which can then be ordered and delivered directly to your chosen address.
Dosage and strength for Champix for smoking cessation
Champix is available in 0.5 mg and 1 mg film-coated tablets.
A typical dosing schedule is:
- Days 1 to 3: 0.5 mg once daily
- Days 4 to 7: 0.5 mg twice daily
- Day 8 onward: 1 mg twice daily for 11 weeks
Treatment generally lasts 12 weeks, with the option to continue for another 12 weeks to maintain abstinence if successful.
What happens if you use too much Champix?
Taking more than the prescribed dose will not help you quit smoking faster and may increase the risk of side effects. Overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. If you take too much, seek medical advice immediately.
What are the side effects of Champix?
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vivid dreams or difficulty sleeping
- Headache
- Nasopharyngitis
- Increased weight, decreased appetite, increased appetite
More serious side effects include:
- Mood changes or depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Seizures
- Allergic reactions (e.g., swelling of the face, mouth, or throat)
- Breathing difficulties
If you experience any serious side effects, contact NHS 111 urgently.
If you suspect a severe allergic reaction, call emergency services on 999 immediately:
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA Yellow Card reporting system. You can read more about this here: How and where do I report side effects of my medication?
Information about using Champix with other medications
Champix may interact with:
- Alcohol (can increase the risk of mood changes or aggressive behaviour please note)
- Other smoking cessation treatments (e.g., nicotine patches or gum)
- Medications for mental health conditions
Tell your prescribing clinician about all other medications you’re using to avoid potential interactions.
Why might Champix not work for smoking cessation?
Champix may not work if:
- You don’t take it regularly as prescribed
- The dose is not right for you
- You experience intolerable side effects
- Psychological or behavioural triggers are not addressed
Support through counselling, behavioral therapy and talking therapies can help improve success rates.
Can Champix be used long term?
Champix is typically used for 12 weeks. If you successfully quit smoking, your clinician may recommend continuing treatment for another 12 weeks to help prevent relapse. Long-term use beyond this should only be done under medical supervision.
How to store Champix
- Keep Champix out of the sight and reach of children
- Store at room temperature below 30°C
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack
- Do not dispose of Champix in household waste. Return any unused medication to your pharmacist to help protect the environment
Is there a herbal Champix?
No. There is no herbal version of Champix. Any product claiming to be a “herbal Champix” is likely counterfeit and potentially unsafe.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when using Champix?
There are no specific food restrictions while taking Champix. However, avoid excessive alcohol, as it may increase the risk of mood changes or behavioural side effects.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help with quitting smoking?
To improve your chances of success:
- Avoid known smoking triggers
- Stay hydrated and eat regular meals
- Exercise regularly to reduce stress
- Use behavioural support, counselling & CBT via talking therapies.
- Set a quit date and tell friends or family for accountability
Alternatives to Champix
Other treatments for quitting smoking include:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers)
- Bupropion (Zyban)
- Behavioral support or stop smoking clinics
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Champix
What is Champix?
Champix is a brand name for varenicline tartrate, a prescription medication used as an aid to smoking cessation in adults. It was manufactured by Pfizer and is available as 0.5 mg and 1 mg film-coated tablets. Champix is the most effective single-agent smoking cessation medication, approximately tripling quit rates compared to placebo. However, Champix was globally recalled in 2021 due to the detection of a nitrosamine impurity (NDMA) above acceptable limits in some batches. Supply has been limited since, though generic varenicline and alternative brands may be available.
How does Champix work?
Champix (varenicline) is a partial agonist at the alpha-4 beta-2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. It works in two ways: as a partial agonist, it provides a low level of receptor stimulation that reduces nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms (but significantly less than nicotine itself); simultaneously, by occupying the receptor, it blocks nicotine from binding, so if you smoke while taking Champix, the cigarette is much less satisfying. This dual mechanism makes it highly effective.
How effective is Champix for quitting smoking?
Champix is the most effective single medication for smoking cessation. Clinical trials show 12-month continuous abstinence rates of approximately 25–35% with Champix compared to 10–15% with placebo. It is more effective than NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) and bupropion (Zyban) as monotherapy. Combined with behavioural support from NHS stop smoking services, success rates can be even higher.
How do I take Champix?
Start Champix 1–2 weeks before your planned quit date. Days 1–3: 0.5 mg once daily. Days 4–7: 0.5 mg twice daily. Day 8 onwards (quit date): 1 mg twice daily. Continue for 12 weeks total. If you have successfully quit at 12 weeks, an additional 12 weeks of treatment may be recommended to reduce relapse risk. Take tablets with water after meals to reduce nausea. The twice-daily doses should be taken approximately 12 hours apart (morning and evening).
What if I'm not ready to quit on day 8?
Some flexibility is allowed — you can set your quit date between day 8 and day 35 of treatment if needed. However, the standard recommendation is to quit on day 8. The first week of treatment allows varenicline to build up in your system. You should stop smoking completely by your chosen quit date for the best chance of success.
What are the side effects of Champix?
Very common side effects include nausea (affecting approximately 30% — usually mild to moderate and improving over time), insomnia, abnormal dreams (vivid, unusual dreams), and headache. Common side effects include vomiting, constipation, flatulence, dyspepsia, drowsiness, dizziness, and taste disturbance. Taking Champix after food and with a full glass of water helps reduce nausea. If nausea is persistent, the dose may be reduced to 0.5 mg twice daily.
Is Champix currently available?
Champix (branded varenicline by Pfizer) was voluntarily recalled globally in 2021 due to NDMA impurity concerns. Supply of the branded product has been limited or unavailable since. Generic varenicline and alternative brands may be available depending on supply. Check with your prescriber or NowPatient for current availability. Alternative smoking cessation medications include bupropion (Zyban), cytisine, and nicotine replacement therapy.
How can I get Champix or varenicline?
Varenicline requires a prescription from your GP, NHS stop smoking service, or online prescriber like NowPatient. Check current availability as supply may be limited. If varenicline is unavailable, effective alternatives include cytisine, bupropion (Zyban), and nicotine replacement therapy. NHS stop smoking services provide free behavioural support alongside medication.
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