Chantix Side Effects: Understand Both the Positive and Negative Effects

Quitting tobacco smoking has been an ongoing battle for millions of people around the world for decades. As the world becomes more conscious of the myriad health risks associated with smoking, more people than ever are putting down the pack for good. This is a good first step in the right direction, but most people find themselves unable to handle the cravings and withdrawal symptoms on their own. They ultimately end up picking up the bad habit of smoking once more. Thankfully, there is a prescription medication available to help people quit smoking for good. Continue reading for more information on the medication designed and proven to promote the successful cessation of smoking. In the text below, you will also learn of the Chantix side effects that you should keep in mind if you are considering successfully becoming a non-smoker with this medication.

Chantix is the brand name as well as the official advertising name of the prescription medication known as varenicline. This medication was officially approved by the FDA in 2006 and has since proven to be a substantial aid in the successful cessation of cigarette and tobacco smoking. In 2013, Chantix was found to be the most effective medication in the battle to quit tobacco available on the market. In most cases, physicians will usually prescribe Chantix to their patients for a 12-week period. The patient will set a "quit date", which is a confirmed date by which they will aim to completely stop smoking. The medication will start one week before the quit date.

Over the course of this week, it is perfectly okay for the patient to smoke, but they must completely stop smoking on the quit date. Most people try to limit their smoking as the week goes on so that it is a bit easier to quit completely by the quit date. The patient then completes the rest of the 12-week period, taking the medication once daily as directed by their physician. Chantix is always to be taken by mouth after eating with a glass of water to avoid nausea or upset stomach. Each patient will receive a dosage tailored to their current medical condition and their personal medical history. After the successful completion of the 12-week period cigarette-free, your physician may recommend another 12-week period, but this is something that will be dependent on your personal situation as well as how your body handled the medication during the first 12-week period. It also depends on how you personally feel about smoking when your 12-week period is up; if you still find yourself fighting off cravings and urges to smoke, your doctor may recommend that you undergo another course of treatment with Chantix.

This is the most commonly used method of use for Chantix, but there have been cases in which the individual is not able to give up smoking as quickly as they would like. They either fail to quit by their quit date or they pick up smoking sometime within their 12-week period. In cases such as these, the patient and the physician will develop a plan that will work better for the patient's needs. Speak with your doctor to determine which method they think would work best in your situation.

Chantix was very intelligently designed with simple chemical reactions in mind. When you smoke a cigarette, the nicotine in the cigarette attaches to nicotine receptors in your brain, which releases dopamine, your body's "feel-good" chemical. The release of dopamine is what causes a smoker to feel pleasure and relaxation when smoking. After a while, your dopamine level drops once more, causing that urge and craving for another cigarette in order to feel the dopamine release once more. This is a never-ending cycle as the individual becomes more dependent on cigarettes and smoking. 

Chantix essentially attaches itself to the nicotine receptors in the brain, almost blocking them, which eliminates the individual's need to smoke a cigarette and take in more nicotine. Dopamine is then naturally released. Granted, the dopamine is released at lower levels than they would be with the nicotine in cigarettes. However, it is enough to keep you feeling good and to keep you from feeling as miserable as you would if you were to quit smoking without any type of aid. Eventually, the body's dopamine balance returns to normal, and the individual will no longer feel the urge or need to smoke in order to feel better.

If you are considering starting Chantix to quit smoking for good, it is very important that you fully understand the good Chantix side effects, as well as the bad Chantix side effects. Learning the possible side effects of a new medication is an important part of starting that medication as it is extremely important for you to know what to expect while you take it. Continue reading for more information on Chantix side effects so you can make a more educated and informed decision about starting Chantix.

Good Chantix Side Effects

Bad Chantix Side Effects

Conditions and Medications That May React Negatively with Chantix

If you have a personal history with any of these medications or conditions, or if you know that any of these conditions may run in your family, it is important that you make sure that your physician is aware. This will enable the doctor to make the best decision for you regarding Chantix. This information will help your physician decide whether you are a candidate for Chantix and should begin taking this medication. If you are placed on Chantix while also taking conflicting medications or with any conflicting pre-existing conditions, it is possible that you may experience unpleasant and negative Chantix side effects. Conditions and medications that have the potential to react negatively and cause bad Chantix side effects include:

Despite the possible bad Chantix side effects, the benefits of using Chantix massively outweigh the bad or potential negative reactions to the medication. In 2011, multiple studies were done in order to conclude that the benefits associated with Chantix were indeed greater than any of the risks. These studies proved to be agreeable with this statement. Quitting tobacco and cigarette smoking has an enormous number of health benefits that can help prolong an individual's life considerably. It can also decrease their risk of myriad diseases and life-threatening conditions. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or if you take any medications that may present a conflict with Chantix, it is imperative that you inform your physician when consulting them and ask their professional opinion on the best way for you to go about using Chantix to quit smoking. Everyone reacts to medications differently, and your physician will be able to decide if Chantix is right for you by conducting a thorough examination of your current condition as well as your medical history and your family's medical history.

Since its introduction in 2006, Chantix has proven itself to be massively effective in the aid of smoking cessation for millions of individuals. Like any medication, it is always best to consult your physician regarding your personal risks and benefits of taking Chantix. Your physician will advise you how you can begin taking Chantix in order to quit smoking for good. They will also inform you if Chantix is right for you, and if they feel it is not right for you, they will help you find a medication that can help you quit smoking that will not pose a risk to your health.

Going forward with the information you have picked up in this article, you will be able to make a more educated and informed decision regarding taking Chantix on a regular basis to help you to quit smoking. Remember, the sooner you quit smoking cigarettes, the better. Becoming a non-smoker means decreasing your risk for multiple diseases and life-threatening conditions. In addition, it ultimately means a longer, healthier life. For this reason, it is important to speak to your physician as soon as you can. You can then begin the quitting process so that you can start the journey to a healthier, happier you.