Generic Champix

Common use

Champix is the medication which helps you to quit smoking. Its active component Varenicline selectivity binds with α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the neurons. Effectiveness of the medication is explained by its partial agonism for α4β2 nicotinic receptors. When Champix binds with the receptors it decreases addiction to smoking, withdrawal symptoms, and reduces pleasure from smoking.



Dosage and direction

Before to start treatment the patient should appoint the date to stop smoking. Treatment with Champix should be started two weeks before the date. Take 0.5 mg of Champix once daily for 1-3 days, then by 0.5 mg two times a day for 4-7 days and starting from 8th day of treatment till end of the course by 1 mg a day. The recommended dose is 1 mg taken two times a day. If the medication is not well tolerated the dosage may be reduced to 0.5 mg taken two times a day. Take it orally with a full glass of water. Swallow it whole, do not chew or crash. Take with food or between your meals. Treatment usually continues for 12 weeks.



Precautions

This medication may make you dizzy, fainting or impair your thinking reactions. Be careful if you need to drive or operate machinery. Inform your doctor if you noticed changes in your behavior or mood, or if you feel depressed, agitated, hostile, or have suicidal thoughts. Champix may result in a persistent nausea for up to several months. Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, or a history of mental illness, pregnant or breastfeeding.



Contraindications

The medication cannot be administered to the patients with hypersensitivity to its components, pregnant and breastfeeding women. Safety in adolescents under 18 years of age and children has not been studied.



Possible side effects

This medication may impair your thinking reactions, cause changes in your behavior, lead to fever, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, a severe blistering, sore throat, peeling, rash, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, increased appetite, weight gain, decreased heart rate. Call your doctor immediately even at the first signs of any blistering type of skin rash. You may also have unusual dreams, insomnia, tremor, poor coordination, hypertension, anxiety, decrease in taste sensation, increase or decrease in libido.



Drug interactions

Inform your doctor about all medications and herbal products you use, both prescribed and over-the-counter. Clozapine, flecainide, dextropropoxyphene, olanzapine, fluvoxamine, phenylbutazone, pentazocine, tacrine, some benzodiazepines (oxazepam), some beta-blockers (propranolol), theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine), warfarin.



Missed dose

If you have forgotten to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.



Overdose

Symptoms of Champix are unknown, inform your doctor immediately if you suspect overdose.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F).



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)