(var en’ i kleen)
Why is this medication prescribed?
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?
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
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
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 buproprion (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 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.
- 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?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
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?
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
- drowsiness
- headache
- rash
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?
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
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?
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.
Brand names
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Last Revised - 01/01/2007