How to Stop Water Retention After Taking Chantix

Quitting smoking is a life and health altering event that requires concentration and dedication to complete. The medication Chantix was developed to help people lose their craving for cigarettes by targeting the nicotine receptors in the brain and making the smoking of a cigarette not as satisfying. As with all medications though, there are side effects that you may find unpleasant. For Chantix, water retention is one of those side effects, according to information at WebMD, although it is rare. The good news is that once you're off the medication, you'll stop having the side effects. Typical treatment lasts three months, although some doctors prescribe an additional three months of treatment.

Things You'll Need

• Bananas
• Cranberry juice

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut down on salt. Drugs.com reports that chantix is made from a tartrate salt, so it's best to leave as much salt in your personal shaker as possible to stop water retention while you're on the medication.

• 2

  Eat more potassium as it acts as a diuretic. Raisins and bananas are both high in potassium so add them to your breakfast cereal. Other natural diuretics include cabbage and cranberry juice.

• 3

  Ask your doctor if drinking more water can help you get rid of water. In some cases water can help flush your system, but it may not be appropriate for everyone. Consult your doctor to see if there are any reasons you shouldn't increase your water intake.

• 4

  Cut out the alcohol as it can add to the edema.