Chantix Problems - What You Should Consider Before Taking It To Quit Smoking! -Nurse's Opinion

If you've been thinking about taking Chantix (Varenicline) to help you quit smoking I strongly advise you to reconsider after reading about Chantix problems.  First of all taking Chantix is an elective decision; it is something you choose to do.  It isn't necessary for saving your life or healing or reversing an existing health problem.

You can count on Chantix and any other drug or medication you're taking to have side effects and/or possible adverse reactions and may cause temporary or even permanent injury or damage.  Your kidneys and liver have to evaluate everything that comes into your body whether you inhale or breathe it such as smoke or fumes, eat it, drink it or put it on your skin such as a nicotine patch, cosmetics, lotions or chemicals.

Taking this stop smoking medication could be worse than if you just continued smoking as bad as that is.  You will just be causing more cause for concern as your body tries to recover from more assault.

In February of 2011 the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) stated that the side effects from Chantix are causing a large number of psychiatric problems that have been reported to the FDA and this is even though there is a black box warning on the label and in every medication brochure that is given to each patient.  That in itself should be a warning there are problems with this medication and YOU don't want to become part of that or encounter Chantix problems!

What Is Chantix? 

CHANTIX is a prescription medicine for adults over 18 to help them stop smoking.  It does not contain nicotine.

How Does Chantix Work?

 It works by targeting nicotine receptors in the brain.  It attaches to these receptors and blocks nicotine from reaching them.  It may also activate these receptors which may cause a reduced release of dopamine.  You need your dopamine.  You do not want to reduce dopamine.  You need it for many mental, emotional and physical processes.

How To Take Chantix?

Chantix is taken before you quit smoking. You quit smoking on day 8 of taking it. It is actually recommended that you don't stop smoking until day 8.

How Much Does Chantix Cost?

It can cost from $100 to $160 or more depending. Health insurance usually doesn't cover it. 

Can You Get Chantix Without A Prescription?

No you must have a prescription from your doctor. You don't want to take Chanitx from Internet drugstores.   It would be important to be followed and monitored by the doctor prescribing it if any complications or side effects or adverse reactions develop.

What Happens When You Stop Taking Chantix?

 It would depend on the individual.

What Are The Chantix Side Effects?  

 Serious skin reactions have been reported including some that can be fatal.  Rash, swallowing, redness, peeling of skin among others.  Allergic reactions have been reported including swelling of the face and mouth and throat and Chantxi can cause trouble breathing. Blisters in the mouth.  If you're taking Chantix and have any of these symptoms stop taking it right away and call your doctor and/or go to the emergency room or both.

If you have any heart, circulatory or blood vessel problems don't take Chanitx.  Or if any of these problems develop after or you have a heart attack stop taking it and report to your doctor immediately.

Other side effects and problems -- nausea may be more common, sleep problems, excessive gas or vomiting and constipation can occur.  Or to watch for any new sleep issue like insomnia, vivid, strange or odd dreams.  Be careful when driving or using any machinery until you know how it affects you it is stated for this drug. 

Chantix Warnings

Warnings from the drug company: "Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking CHANTIX, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping CHANTIX. If you, your family, or caregiver notice agitation, hostility, depression, or changes in behavior, thinking, or mood that are not typical for you, or you develop suicidal thoughts or actions, anxiety, panic, aggression, anger, mania, abnormal sensations, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion, stop taking CHANTIX and call your doctor right away. Also tell your doctor about any history of depression or other mental health problems before taking CHANTIX, as these symptoms may worsen while taking CHANTIX."

Can I Take Chantix With Other Drugs?

I would think carefully about this because you don't know how it is going to react when it is mixed with drugs, medications or alcohol. You could have some serious side effects.

So think about it carefully before you consider taking this medication because you could encounter some Chantix problems. Quit Smoking Tips