Varenicline Tablets (Generic Champix) - Smoking Cessation

Varenicline Tablets are a prescription-only medicine that helps adults quit smoking. These tablets are completely nicotine-free and work by reducing your desire to smoke, helping you manage withdrawal symptoms, and making cigarettes feel less enjoyable.

As an active ingredient, varenicline acts on the same areas of the brain affected by nicotine. By doing so, it helps to reduce cravings and ease withdrawal, making it easier to stop smoking.

If you smoke while taking Varenicline, you may notice that it’s not as satisfying as usual. This is because the medicine blocks nicotine’s effects, helping to break the mental and physical link between smoking and pleasure.

Always take Varenicline Tablets exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Before starting your course, you should choose a date to stop smoking – ideally during your second week of treatment. If you can’t pick a date within that time, set one within the first 5 weeks. Writing your chosen date on the pack can help keep you on track.

Varenicline treatment begins with a lower dose that gradually increases. It comes as 2 types of tablets - white (0.5mg) and blue (1mg). You’ll start with the white tablets before moving on to the blue ones.

Typical Varenicline schedule

Week

Day

Morning Dose

Evening Dose

Notes

1

1-3

0.5mg

-

Once daily

1

4-7

0.5mg

0.5mg

Twice daily

2

8-14

1mg

1mg

Twice daily - higher dose

3-12

-

1mg

1mg

Twice daily - maintain dose

Continue taking 1mg twice a day for the full 12-week course unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Like all medicines, Varenicline Tablets can cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Common side effects include:

• inflammation of the nose and throat
• abnormal dreams
• difficulty sleeping
• headaches
• nausea and vomiting
• chest infection and inflammation of the sinuses
• increased weight
• increased or decreased appetite
• sleepiness
• dizziness
• changes in the way things taste
• shortness of breath
• cough
• heartburn

Most side effects are mild and improve as your body adjusts. For the full list of side effects, read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine. You can also report any side effects using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Serious side effects

Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical attention if you notice:

• swelling of the face, lips, or throat
• a rash, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness
• mood changes, depression, or thoughts of self-harm

If you experience changes in mood or behaviour while taking Varenicline, stop the treatment and speak to your doctor immediately.

Varenicline may not be suitable for everyone. Do not take it if you are allergic to varenicline or any of the ingredients in the tablets.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you have:

• a history of mental health problems or psychiatric illness
• heart or circulation problems
• epilepsy or have ever had seizures

Your healthcare provider will help decide if this medicine is appropriate for you.

Other medications

If you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines - including those bought without a prescription - tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Varenicline.

You should mention if you’re using:

• Theophylline (for breathing problems)
• Warfarin (used to prevent blood clots)
• Insulin (for diabetes)

People with severe kidney disease should avoid taking cimetidine alongside Varenicline, as it can increase the amount of varenicline in the blood.

Always tell your healthcare professional if you’re using any other stop-smoking products or nicotine replacement therapies at the same time.

Age restrictions

Varenicline Tablets are intended for adults aged 18 and over. They should not be used by anyone under 18.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Varenicline is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Smoking while pregnant can cause serious harm to you and your baby, but it’s safest to stop without the use of medication if possible. If you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to have a baby, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using any new medicine.

Alcohol

Varenicline may increase the effects of alcohol. To stay safe, it’s best to avoid drinking while taking this medicine.

Driving and operating machinery

Some people taking Varenicline experience dizziness, drowsiness, or even brief loss of consciousness. If this affects you, do not drive, use tools, or operate machinery until you feel fully alert.

Keep Varenicline Tablets in a cool, dry place, out of sight and reach of children. Do not use them after the expiry date shown on the packaging - this refers to the last day of that month.

Do not dispose of medicines via household waste or down the sink. Ask your pharmacist how to safely throw away medicines you no longer use.

This is a prescription-only medicine. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking it, especially if you have other medical conditions or take other medicines.

If your symptoms don’t improve or you continue to crave cigarettes after your treatment course, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any known allergies, ask your healthcare professional whether Varenicline is right for you.

Always read the patient information leaflet before use and store all medicines safely out of the reach of children.

For general medical advice, visit nhs.uk.