How Should I Take Chantix?

Overview of CHANTIX™ (varenicline)

CHANTIX is a medication available only by prescription developed by Pfizer to help people stop smoking. In some tests this 12-week graduated program of medicine and support (the GETQUIT™ Support Plan) has been shown to be more effective than Zyban^®. Even though the drug operates on the nicotine receptors, it contains no nicotine. The key to getting the most out of your CHANTIX is the patient’s proper planning and consistently taking the medication.

CHANTIX Steps

You will need to decide on a date to quit smoking. This step is very important because you will need to begin taking the medication before that date. Choose a time when you don’t have a lot of stressful events, like graduations and weddings, where you are more likely to take up the bad habit again for the sake of comfort. However, make sure you will still be busy--if you are on vacation and relaxing, the cigarette may pop into your mind more often than when you are active.

Once you have chosen your date, mark your calendar for seven days before the quit date--this is when you will start taking CHANTIX. During this week, the medication will build up. Then when you reach your quit date all you have to do is not smoke.

CHANITX should be taken with a full glass of water after you eat a meal. Very few medicines are designed to be taken on an empty stomach, so make sure you have consumer enough food and take with 8 oz. of water.

Remember that you will probably need to take CHANTIX consistently for twelve weeks straight (or the time your doctor has prescribed). If you happen to smoke, just keep trying. It may be possible for you to take CHANTIX for another twelve weeks--always tell your prescribing doctor if you smoke during your CHANTIX cycle so appropriate steps can be taken. In fact, even those who don’t have a cigarette in the entire CHANTIX 12 weeks often find another 12-week prescription helps them stay smoke free.

The GETQUIT Support Plan

This plan was developed specifically for CHANTIX patients. This plan begins when you start taking CHANTIX and continues for an entire year. It acts as a motivator to help you prepare yourself for the change involved in cessation of smoking, and offers tools to help continue with the program.

With your plan, you will get a web page personalized for you so that you can keep track of your progress. There is also a hotline to call for when you crave cigarettes the most, as well as check-ins for regular support (by email and phone).

There is no doubt that quitting is one of the hardest things you can do, but it’s never too late to do it. CHANTIX was designed to help you succeed by reducing the need for nicotine, offering support, and allowing you to track your own progress. Remember that it only takes 24 hours without a cigarette to begin reducing your risk of heart attack from smoking, and the benefits mount daily.