How to Stop Champix

Champix, sold under the brand name Chantix in the U.S., is a prescription drug used to help patients stop smoking. The chemical varenicline blocks nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing or eliminating the positive effects of nicotine. As part of a stop smoking plan, you begin taking Champix one to two weeks before your last day of smoking to allow it to build in your system, and then continue taking Champix for the prescribed time period. Ideally, you should avoid smoking while on Champix. Once started, you should try to take the complete course unless you experience severe allergic reactions such as swelling, rash, itching or trouble breathing.

Instructions

• 1

  Take the complete 12-week course of Champix. Make an effort during the 12-week period to stop smoking. Do not stop taking Champix if you experience tobacco cravings while on this drug. Cravings do not indicate that the drug is not working, only that your body is clearing the nicotine.

• 2

  Consult your physician if you want to stop Champix before completely the 12-week course. While there is no protocol for stopping Champix early, you physician may be able to offer advice from his experience with other patients in your situation.

• 3

  Continue to follow your stop smoking plan. You may still be able to stop smoking even if you have chosen to stop taking Champix.

• 4

  Monitor your symptoms after you take your last Champix pill. Normal nicotine withdrawal symptoms include headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, mild depression and increased appetite. Champix may cause abnormal dreams, but they should subside after stopping Champix. However, the FDA now requires that all Champix sold in the U.S. carry a warning indicating that patients have experienced extreme mental or mood swings and suicidal thoughts after ceasing Champix therapy.

• 5

  Consult your physician if you cannot stop smoking or if you experience extremes of any of the above symptoms. Mental or mood changes and suicidal thoughts may occur three to four weeks after stopping Champix.