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Varenicline Coupon - Varenicline 1mg tablet

varenicline

Generic Chantix
Used for Smoking Cessation
Used for Smoking Cessation

Varenicline (Chantix) is a medication that's used to help you quit smoking. The dosage is based on a timeline, so make sure to follow the directions carefully. Varenicline (Chantix) doesn't contain nicotine like some other medications that help you quit smoking, but it can cause side effects, including nausea and trouble sleeping. In 2021, the manufacturer Pfizer recalled and stopped making the brand-name version (called Chantix) because of potentially cancer-causing chemicals found in the medication during production. There are still generic versions available because the benefits of this medication are thought to be greater than the potential risks.

Last reviewed on July 17, 2023
basics-icon

What is Varenicline (Chantix)?

What is Varenicline (Chantix) used for?

  • Smoking cessation (quitting smoking)

How Varenicline (Chantix) works

Varenicline (Chantix) is a partial nicotine receptor agonist. It works in the same part of your brain as nicotine. This helps lower cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Are you looking for information on Tyrvaya (varenicline) nasal spray for dry eye instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsChantix (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassPartial nicotine agonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Varenicline (Chantix) essentials

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What are the side effects of Varenicline (Chantix)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea (30%)
  • Trouble sleeping (18%)
  • Headache (15%)
  • Unusual, vivid, or strange dreams (13%)
  • Constipation (8%)
  • Tiredness (7%)
  • Stomach pain (7%)
  • Gas (6%)
  • Dry mouth (6%)
  • Vomiting (5%)
  • Indigestion (5%)
  • Change in taste (5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Itching
  • Rash
  • Trouble breathing
  • Cold-like symptoms
  • Changes in appetite (larger appetite or loss of appetite)
  • Nightmares
  • Heartburn

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: swelling of the face or mouth (tongue, lips, and gums); trouble breathing
  • Severe skin reaction: skin rash with lesions (sores) or bumps
  • Accidental injuries: feeling tired, dizzy, or having trouble focusing before performing tasks (e.g., driving a car)

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Anxiety

black, tarry stools

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

bloody stools

blurred vision

burning feeling in the chest or stomach

chest pain or discomfort

chills

cold hands and feet

cold sweats

confusion

cool, pale skin cough

deep or fast breathing with dizziness

difficult or labored breathing

dizziness

dry mouth

fainting

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

flushed, dry skin

fruit-like breath odor

headache

headache, severe and throbbing

increased hunger

increased thirst

increased urination

indigestion

loss of consciousness

nausea

nervousness

nightmares

noisy breathing

nosebleed

numbness of the feet, hands and around the mouth

pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck

pale skin

pounding in the ears

rapid weight gain

seizures

shakiness

slow heartbeat

slurred speech

stomach pain or upset

sweating

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

tenderness in the stomach area

tightness in the chest

tingling of the hands or feet

tremor

troubled breathing with exertion

unexplained weight loss

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

unusual weight gain or loss

vomiting

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

Rare

Agitation

bleeding gums

bloating

blood in the urine or stools

constipation

dark urine

decrease in height

decreased awareness or responsiveness

difficulty in swallowing

eye pain

feeling of fullness

fever

frequent urination

general feeling of illness

heartburn

hostility

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

increased volume of pale, dilute urine

irritability

itching, skin rash

loss of appetite

mood changes

muscle pain, cramps, or twitching

numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips

pain or burning in the throat

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

pinpoint red spots on the skin

red, scaling, or crusted skin

redness or other discoloration of the skin

severe sleepiness

severe stomach pain

severe sunburn

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips, tongue, or inside the mouth

tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, skin discoloration, and prominent superficial veins over the affected area

uncontrolled eye movements

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Anger

anxiety

behavior changes

discouragement

feeling sad or empty

feelings of panic

irregular heartbeat

loss of interest or pleasure

mood swings

restlessness

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

sleepwalking

thoughts of killing oneself

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Abnormal dreams

absence of menstruation

change in taste

diarrhea

difficulty having a bowel movement

difficulty in moving

excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels

joint pain or swelling

lack or loss of strength

loss of taste

muscle stiffness

painful menstruation

passing gas

toothache

trouble sleeping

Less common

Belching

body aches or pain

burning, dry, or itching eyes

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

decreased interest in sexual intercourse

discharge, excessive tearing

ear congestion

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

feeling of warmth

hearing loss

inability to have or keep an erection

increased appetite

increased urge to urinate during the night

loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

loss of voice

nightmares

redness in the joints

redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest

redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid

sensation of spinning

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

sneezing

sore throat

stomach discomfort

stuffy or runny nose

transient, mild, pleasant aromatic odor

trouble concentrating

waking to urinate at night

Rare

Change in color vision

difficulty seeing at night

increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight

night blindness

seeing floating dark spots or material before the eyes

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Varenicline (Chantix)

thumbs-up

Pros

Generic version is a safe option that works just as well as the brand-name version did.

Helps to control cravings and lessen withdrawal symptoms

Can quit smoking gradually while taking the medication

Safe to use if you have liver problems

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause nausea

Can make your dreams vivid or unusual

Can cause you to feel the effects of alcohol more intensely

Need to take for 3 months (or even longer for some people)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Varenicline (Chantix)

pharmacist
  • Set a quit date with your healthcare provider and then start varenicline (Chantix) 1 week before that date. If you don't have a quit date, you can still start using varenicline (Chantix) and plan to quit either within the first month or gradually over 12 weeks.

    • Take varenicline (Chantix) with food and a full glass of water to help lessen nausea. Nausea is a common side effect of the medication; it's typically mild, but it can be more bothersome for some people. If nausea gets too bothersome or doesn't go away, talk to your provider to see if they can change your dose.

      • Limit how much alcohol you drink, as varenicline (Chantix) can make the effects of alcohol more intense.

        • Because varenicline (Chantix) doesn't contain nicotine, you shouldn't experience as intense of withdrawal symptoms when you finish treatment as you would if you stopped smoking "cold turkey." Some people do have mood changes or nightmares while taking this medication. If these side effects are severe or bothersome, talk to your provider about alternatives.

          • Quitting smoking can be difficult. Talk to your healthcare provider for extra support on your journey to quit smoking. Even if you slip up and have a cigarette, it doesn't mean that varenicline (Chantix) isn't working.

            • Let your healthcare provider know if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant because varenicline (Chantix) might not be the best option for you.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Varenicline (Chantix)

              Is Chantix still available?
              The brand-name Chantix isn't available anymore. But FDA-approved generic versions of varenicline are still available. The pharmaceutical manufacturer discontinued the Chantix brand in the summer of 2021 after it was discovered to have higher-than-normal amounts of nitrosamines (chemical by-products that might raise the risk of cancer when consumed long term). The generic version is made to work just as well as the brand-name version; it just doesn't have a higher-than-acceptable amount of nitrosamines.
              How do you take varenicline (Chantix)?
              When you first start varenicline (Chantix), carefully follow the dosing schedule that your healthcare provider gives you. Take 0.5 mg of varenicline (Chantix) once daily for the first 3 days only, then 0.5 mg twice daily for the next 4 days. After that, you'll take 1 mg of varenicline (Chantix) twice daily. Your treatment should take a total of 12 weeks (unless instructed differently by your healthcare provider). Some people will take varenicline (Chantix) for an extra 12 weeks. Discuss this option with your healthcare provider, especially if you chose to quit smoking gradually over the first 12 weeks of treatment with varenicline (Chantix).
              How long does it take varenicline (Chantix) to start working?
              Varenicline (Chantix) starts to lessen your urge to smoke after about a week. You'll need to continue taking this medication in order to get the full benefit.
              Does varenicline (Chantix) cause weight gain?
              It's possible to gain weight while taking varenicline (Chantix). But keep in mind that weight gain can also be the result of nicotine withdrawal that your body experiences when you're trying to quit smoking; this can happen with or without varenicline (Chantix) treatment. A recent study showed that people taking varenicline (Chantix) didn't gain a lot of weight after quitting smoking. If you experience weight gain while quitting smoking, talk with your healthcare provider.
              How long can you smoke while you're taking varenicline (Chantix)?
              There are three different ways to approach quitting smoking when you start varenicline (Chantix). In each approach, you stop smoking at different time points during treatment. One option is to stop smoking 1 week after starting varenicline (Chantix); this is called the fixed quit approach. In the flexible quit approach, you quit smoking within 1 month of starting varenicline (Chantix). Lastly, in the gradual quit approach, you gradually quit smoking within 12 weeks of starting varenicline (Chantix) — you lower the amount of cigarettes you're smoking by 50% during the first 4 weeks, again during the next 4 weeks, keep cutting down during weeks 9 to 12, and then completely stop smoking by the end of 12 weeks or sooner. Discuss with your healthcare provider about your willingness to quit smoking to decide which option best fits your needs.
              Can I use varenicline (Chantix) with the nicotine patch?
              This might not be the best idea. If you use varenicline (Chantix) with a nicotine patch, you might be more likely to experience side effects like nausea, trouble sleeping, and constipation, especially if you also drink heavily. Your pharmacist or healthcare provider can work with you to come up with a plan to help you quit smoking safely.
              Does varenicline (Chantix) cause depression and mood changes?
              There are some people who've experienced mood changes, hallucinations, aggression, anxiety, and psychosis (losing touch with reality) while taking varenicline (Chantix). Over the years, there have been studies showing that there's no difference in the occurrence of these side effects between people who use varenicline (Chantix) and people who didn't use any medication or other smoking cessation medications. But if you or a loved one notices changes in mood or behavior while you're taking varenicline (Chantix), let your healthcare provider know.
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              warings-icon

              What are the risks and warnings for Varenicline (Chantix)?

              Varenicline (Chantix) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Mental health changes and risk of suicide

              • Risk factors: History of mental health issues | Drinking alcohol while taking varenicline (Chantix) | People who keep smoking while taking varenicline (Chantix)

                Some people have experienced mental health changes while taking varenicline (Chantix). These mental health issues include depression, hallucinations, aggression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide. Drinking alcohol while taking varenicline (Chantix) raises your risk of these side effects. You're also more likely to experience them if you had mental health issues (like depression or bipolar disorder) before you started taking varenicline (Chantix). Watch out for any unusual changes in mood, thoughts, or behavior, especially when you first start taking varenicline (Chantix) or when your dose changes. Stop varenicline (Chantix) and tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of these changes.

                risk-warning

                Heart attacks and strokes

                • Risk factors: History of heart problems

                  In rare cases, people taking varenicline (Chantix) have had non-fatal heart attacks or strokes. It isn't clear whether varenicline (Chantix) can raise your risk of these problems happening. If you have heart problems, tell your healthcare provider if you experience any worsening symptoms of your condition while taking this medication. Call 911 or get immediate medical care if you have symptoms of a heart attack (chest discomfort or pain) or stroke (trouble walking, speaking, understanding, or numbness of the face, arms, or legs).

                  risk-warning

                  Seizures

                  • Risk factors: History of seizures | Taking other medications that raise your risk of seizures

                    Some people have had seizures while they were taking varenicline (Chantix). Seizures can happen in both people who have had and who've never had seizures in the past. Most times, seizures happened within the first month of starting varenicline (Chantix). Let your provider know if you've experienced seizures in the past or take medications to control seizures before starting this medication. Stop varenicline (Chantix) and tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you've had a seizure while taking this medication.

                    risk-warning

                    Sleepwalking

                    Although rare, some people taking varenicline (Chantix) have sleepwalked or performed other actions while sleeping. This can be dangerous and get you hurt, get others hurt, or cause damage to property. If you or your loved ones have noticed sleepwalking, stop taking varenicline (Chantix) and let your healthcare provider know.

                    risk-warning

                    Accidental injuries

                    Some people taking varenicline (Chantix) have reported having traffic accidents and other accidental injuries. Varenicline (Chantix) might cause you to feel drowsy or dizzy and affect your concentration, so make sure you know how the medication affects you before driving or performing activities that require you to be alert.

                    risk-warning

                    Allergic reactions

                    Severe allergic reactions to varenicline (Chantix) are possible, including life-threatening problems like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). If you notice painful blisters all over the body, hives, a rash, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after using varenicline (Chantix), get medical attention or call 911 right away.

                    More on Varenicline (Chantix) warnings

                    dosage

                    Varenicline (Chantix) dosage forms

                    box
                    Box
                    DosageAs low as
                    56 tablets of continuing month$463.56 for 1 box
                    53 tablets of starting month$463.22 for 1 box
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageAs low as
                    0.5mg$101.14 for 11 tablets
                    1mg$495.60 for 60 tablets

                    Typical dosing for Varenicline (Chantix)

                    Typically, you'll want to start varenicline (Chantix) 1 week before the date you've decided to stop smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products.

                    • On days 1 to 3: Take 0.5 mg by mouth once daily.

                    • On days 4 to 7: Take 0.5 mg by mouth twice daily.

                    • On day 8 and onwards: Take 1 mg by mouth twice daily.

                    Most people take varenicline (Chantix) for 12 weeks, but sometimes your provider might prescribe an extra 12 weeks.

                    For people who aren't ready to quit 1 week after starting varenicline (Chantix), talk to your healthcare provider. There are other strategies of when you could stop smoking while taking varenicline (Chantix).

                    Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.

                    More on Varenicline (Chantix) dosage forms

                    interactions

                    Interactions between Varenicline (Chantix) and other drugs

                    Varenicline (Chantix) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Varenicline (Chantix). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Varenicline (Chantix)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Varenicline (Chantix). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
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                    latest news

                    What is the latest news about Varenicline (Chantix)?

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                    Varenicline (Chantix) images

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    American Cancer Society. (2022). Why people start smoking and why it’s hard to stop.

                    Apotex Corp. (2023). VARENICLINE tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    Cahill, K., et al. (2016). Nicotine receptor partial agonists for smoking cessation. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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