My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Using Varenicline (Chantix) to Quit Tobacco
Varenicline is a type of quit tobacco medication that doesn't contain nicotine. It is known by the brand name Chantix. It can help reduce withdrawal symptoms by increasing the release of certain brain chemicals. It can ease the cravings and other symptoms you might feel as your body withdraws from nicotine. Varenicline may also make smoking less pleasurable, which may help some people avoid relapse. This allows you to focus on your other strategies for living without tobacco.
We generally recommend trying nicotine replacement and/or bupropion SR prior to using varenicline, as they are effective and tolerated well by most people. However, if these methods are not right for you, varenicline may be a good option.
How to use varenicline
Varenicline is a prescription medication. We'll discuss your health history and determine whether it is right for you. Most people begin taking one .05 mg pill per day and progress to two 1.0 mg pills per day over about a week. Do not use Varenicline in combination with other quit tobacco medications.
You should begin taking your varenicline pills 1 week before the date you plan to quit smoking. Most people take varenicline for 12 weeks, although some people use it longer.
- Begin at .05 mg per day, increase to 2 mg per day per instructions.
- Duration of treatment is 12 weeks, additional 12 weeks at clinician discretion.
Possible side effects
Side effects of taking varenicline can include:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Constipation, gas
If you're experiencing side effects severe enough to keep you from using this medication, let us know. There may be other forms of medication that you can use.
Rare and more serious side effects may include:
- Swelling of the face, mouth, and throat that can cause trouble breathing
- Rash with peeling skin or blisters in your mouth
- Depression or suicidal thoughts and behavior including agitation, hostility, depression, or changes in behavior, thinking, or mood that are not typical for you
If you experience any of these symptoms, please stop using varenicline right away and contact us immediately.
People who shouldn't use varenicline
We do not recommend you take varenicline if you have any history of depression or other mental health problems.
If you have serious kidney problems, we will determine if varenicline is the right medication for you and, if so, whether you need a modified dose.
Related Health Tools:
Classes and Coaching
- Wellness Coaching Wellness Coaching
Interactive Programs
- Quit Tobacco Medications Quit Tobacco Medications
- Quit smoking with Breathe™ Quit smoking with Breathe™
Podcasts
- Quitting Smoking Quitting Smoking
- Second-Hand Smoke Second-Hand Smoke
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.