What is Champix?
Champix® contains the active ingredient Vareniclin and is the most effective prescription drug for smoking. It has been developed specifically for this purpose and acts directly on the nicotine receptors in the brain.
Vareniclin reduces both the smoke demand and the withdrawal symptoms and at the same time reduces the reward feeling during smoking. Studies show that Champix® doubles the chances of successful smoker reconciliation compared to placebo to triple.
**Champix® was temporarily not available. Generika with Vareniclin are now also on the market.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Vareniclin
Active mechanism: Vareniclin is a partial agonist on the alpha-4-beta-2-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor:
- Partial stimulation: Activates the nicotine receptor weaker than nicotine itself → mitigates withdrawal symptoms and fumes
- Blockade:Purposes the receptor and prevents nicotine from unfolding its full effect → reduces the feeling of smoking
Double effect: 1. withdrawal symptoms are mitigated (less irritability, unrest, cravings) Two. Smoking will be less satisfying (no "kick" more)
Language: By default, 12 weeks. If successful, a further 12-week therapy can reduce the fallback rate.
Who is it suitable for?
Champix® is suitable for:
- Adult smokers who are motivated to quit smoking
- Smoking from 18 years
- Even with strong nicotine dependence effective
Especially recommended:
- With strong nicotine dependence (Fagerström score ≥ 6)
- After failed attempts with nicotine replacement therapy
- In combination with behavioral therapy
Not suitable:
- Under 18 years
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Heavy kidney failure (dose adjustment required)
Available Dosages
dosing scheme (week 1–2):
- Day 1–3: 0.5 mg once a day
- Day 4–7: 0.5 mg twice a day
- From day 8 (week 2): 1 mg twice a day
Conservation dose (week 2–12):
- 1 mg twice a day
Rauchstopp date:
- Set between day 8 and day 14 of therapy
- Alternative: Flexible approach with step-by-step reduction possible
Extension:
- With success after 12 weeks: another 12 weeks possible
- dose adjustment for kidney failure: max. 1 mg once a day
How to Take
Intake:
- twice a day (morning and evening)
- After meals with a glass of water
- Uniform distance between cans
Therapy plan: 1. Start taking 1–2 weeks before the planned smoking stop day Two. Slow dosing in the first week 3. Stop smoking on the smoking day 4. Keep full therapy for over 12 weeks
Important notes:
- Don't drop abruptly (slowly slipping out possible)
- Accompanying advice significantly increases success
- In case of relapse: Continue and stop again
Contraindications
**Champix® must not be accepted at:* *
- hypersensitivity to Vareniclin
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Preview at:
- Psychiatric predisorders (depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis)
- Suicidal thoughts in prehistory
- Epilepsy/Krampfan Falls
- Heavy renal insufficiency (GFR < 30 ml/min)
- cardiovascular diseases
Psychiatian surveillance: Smoker reconciliation itself can trigger mood swings. Patients and relatives should pay attention to behavioral changes, depressive mood or suicide thoughts and contact the doctor immediately.
Possible Side Effects
**Very common (> 10 %):* *
- nausea (the most common side effect, usually mild and temporary)
Family (1–10 %):
- Abnormal dreams, sleep disorders
- Headaches
- Appetite changes
- Mouth dryness
- Gastrointestinal complaints (bloating, constipation)
- Taste disorders
- Squeeze
** Occasionally (0.1-1 %):* *
- mood swings
- Depressive detunement
- irritability, aggression
- Chest pain
Selten, but seriously:
- Suicidal thoughts (contact doctor immediately upon appearance)
- Heavy allergic reactions
- Crampfans
Note of nausea: Taking after eating significantly reduces nausea. She usually improves after the first weeks.
Interactions
Slow interactions: Vareniclin is hardly degraded via liver enzymes and has a favorable interaction profile.
Note:
- Nicotine replacement therapy (flaster, chewing gum) → combination possible, but enhanced side effects (abuse, headache)
- Cimetidine → can increase vareniclin levels (relevant for kidney failure)
- Alcohol → cautious consumption recommended (reports on altered alcohol tolerance)
** By dehumidifying smokers themselves, the mirrors of other drugs can change (e.g. theophylline, clozapine, insulin), as smoking accelerates degradation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Medications
Is Champix right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.