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How Long Should One Take Chantix?

Smoking is highly addictive and proven to have many harmful side effects. To reduce your risk of developing disease, you should break your smoking habit as quickly as possible. Although there are a number of ways to achieve this goal, taking Chantix is a particularly effective way to help people 18 and older on the path to quit smoking over a set period of 12 to 24 weeks.

  1. Length of Initial Treatment

    • You need a prescription from your doctor to begin taking Chantix. It is commonly prescribed for use over a 12 week interval. Initially, the dose is low and gradually increases. It must be taken on a full stomach with a glass of water to avoid stomach upset.

    Length of Treatment After Initial Dose

    • Your doctor will assess your individual situation after your first 12 weeks of use. In general, if you have experienced positive results over your first 12 weeks of Chantix use but have not been able to completely stop smoking in that time, you may receive a prescription for a second round of 12 weeks. If Chantix has not helped you to reduce your smoking habits, then your doctor may suggest a different approach to help you quit smoking.

    Side Effects Affecting the Length of Treatment

    • Chantix can only be taken over a 12 to 24 week period, partly because of the potential side effects associated with long term use of the drug. Taking Chantix can harm your kidneys. You may need to endure kidney function testing several times throughout the 12 weeks to ensure that your kidneys are tolerating the drug well enough for you to continue using it.

      Also, be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking insulin, asthma medication, blood thinners or vitamins, since many of these therapies may interfere with how well Chantix will work for you. Additionally, Chantix can cause gas, bloating, nausea, and vomiting and has been known to affect your dreams and sleep pattern. Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience these or any other side effects after taking Chantix. If you do experience any issues, your doctor will either lower your dose, reduce the length of treatment, or change your prescription entirely.

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