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What Are the Worst Side Effects of Chantix?

Chantix (varenicline) is a prescription medication used for smoking cessation. Side effects may be experienced as a result of taking varenicline.

  1. Dosing

    • Varenicline is available in 0.5mg and 1mg tablets. It is typically taken 1mg twice daily but may be reduced if side effects emerge.

    Contraindications

    • Dosage should be monitored closely with individuals who have severely limited kidney functioning, since the medication will be excreted much more slowly and may lead to a higher level of varenicline in the blood stream. This increases the risk of developing serious side effects.

    Common Side Effects

    • Common side effects include chest pain, excessive thirst, weight gain, muscle cramps, pain, decreased attention span, dizziness, anxiety, depression, irritability, restlessness and changes in menstrual cycle.

    Serious Side Effects

    • Serious, but rare, side effects may occur after taking varenicline, including development of a skin rash, changes in cardiovascular functioning, vision changes, gastric ulcer and rental failure. Discontinue use and seek medical treatment if any of these symptoms develop.

    Warning

    • Varenicline may cause psychosis, mood swings, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, suicidal and homicidal ideation, panic attacks and is linked to an increased risk of suicide attempts and completed suicide. Close monitoring of psychiatric symptoms is necessary when taking varenicline, especially if a history of mental illness is present.

    Famous Ties

    • Carter Albrecht, a member of Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians, died in 2007 due to erratic, violent behavior which resulted in a neighbor firing a warning shot, which accidentally hit him. It is believed that varenicline was responsible for inducing these behavioral changes, since they first emerged after he began taking the medicatio.

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