Patient information: using Champix tablets

Taking the decision to stop smoking is the first step towards a longer healthier lifestyle. You’ll be happy to know you’re four times more likely to quit smoking in 12 weeks with Champix tablets than through willpower alone. This relatively new method of smoking cessation treatment has also proven to be more successful in helping smokers quit than all forms of nicotine therapy, including patches and gum. As with all prescription medication there’s some important information to acknowledge first before you use Champix tablets.

Champix tablets are administered orally and act within the brain to ease you off cigarettes and reduce pleasure derived through inhaling cigarette smoke. This also means Champix tablets can influence behavioural changes in some users, more so for those who suffer frequent bouts of depression. Although an uncommon side effect, its still worth telling close friends or family members that you are taking Champix tablets so they can notify you of any behavioural change during treatment.

When giving up smoking with Champix tablets you will need to exert willpower at the most testing times to avoid the possibility of falling into a relapse. Resist temptation by staying away from routine activities and environments that would otherwise encourage you to light up a cigarette. Making subtle lifestyle changes when using Champix tablets to stop smoking may seem difficult at first, but the benefits of living smoke free far outweigh any minor drawbacks during and after treatment.

Starting treatment with Champix tablets

Choose a date for when you wish to stop smoking, this is your quit date. Some people find it useful to write their quit date on the Champix tablets pack as a reminder. Start taking Champix tablets 7 to 14 days before your quit date. This allows enough time for the active ingredient in Champix tablets, varenicline, to build up in your body and take affect. You can keep smoking during this time, however make sure that you try and stop smoking on your quit date.

How to take Champix tablets

Champix tablets must be swallowed whole with a full glass of water and taken at the same time each day. Establishing a routine helps you remember when to take your next dosage. This orally administered treatment can be used before or after food.

Most people will keep taking Champix tablets for 12 weeks, as recommended by their healthcare provider. Heavy smokers who find it hard to break their addiction to nicotine may still crave cigarettes after the standard 12 week treatment, in which case a continuation pack of Champix tablets may be prescribed to help relieve any existing withdrawal symptoms.

Completing your 12-week treatment

It’s important to remember that Champix tablets must be taken for a set period of 12 weeks. Do not stop taking Champix until you have completed all 12 weeks, even if you have stopped smoking. For your safety and to increase your chances of living smoke free you should also not stop taking Champix tablets or change the dosage without checking with your doctor or healthcare provider.