What is Chantix: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Chantix overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Chantix Starting Month Box, Chantix Continuing Month Box, Chantix

Generic Names:

  • Chantix

Uses:

  • Helps you quit smoking, as part of a support program.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Smoking Cessation Agent

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Chantix used for?

Chantix is used along with counseling and education to help you stop smoking. It is classified as a smoking cessation agent. It works by attaching itself to nicotine receptors in the brain, preventing nicotine from attaching to those receptors. Chantix should only be used as prescribed by your doctor.

What form(s) does Chantix come in

  • Tablet

What are common Chantix doses?

  • Tablet 0.5MG

  • Tablet 1MG

Common Chantix prescriptions

  • Chantix
    0.5mg tablet

  • Chantix
    1mg tablet

How to take Chantix

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • It is best to take this medicine with a full glass of water after you eat.

  • Tell your doctor what date you have set to stop smoking. This medicine needs to be started 1 week before that date.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose or schedule may need to be changed to find what works best for you.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • It is best to take this medicine with a full glass of water after you eat.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose or schedule may need to be changed to find what works best for you.

  • Tell your doctor what date you have set to stop smoking. This medicine needs to be started 1 week before that date.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Chantix

Chantix contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to varenicline.

Chantix warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart or blood vessel problems, angina, or a history of heart attack, stroke, depression or mental health problems, or seizures.

  • This medicine may cause you to become dizzy or drowsy, or have trouble concentrating. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know this medicine affects you.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Seizures

  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or others, unusual moods or behaviors

  • For some people, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any thought or behavior changes that concern you. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder or suicide attempts.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of heart attack or strokeSerious skin reactionsSleepwalking

Chantix interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how varenicline works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:InsulinTheophyllineBlood thinner (including warfarin)

  • This medicine can affect your ability to tolerate alcohol. Limit the amount of alcohol that you drink until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of heart attack or strokeSerious skin reactions

  • This medicine may cause you to become dizzy or drowsy, or have trouble concentrating. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know this medicine affects you.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Chantix side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Seeing or hearing things that are not really there

  • Seizures

  • Feeling anxious, depressed, restless, or irritable

  • Thoughts of hurting yourself or others, unusual moods or behaviors

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Chest pain, fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Numbness or weakness on one side of your body, sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache

  • Nausea, gas

  • Trouble sleeping, unusual dreams, sleepwalking

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