Pillwatch.com : Chantix the Newest Pill to Quit Smoking

Chantix the Newest Pill to Quit Smoking

Good news came from Pfizer Inc. for all those smokers, who understand the necessity of quitting this harmful habit, but cannot do this because of withdrawal symptoms that do not let a person out of nicotine addiction. The pharmaceutical company, which became world known for its marketing success with such medications as Viagra, Lipitor, Exubera, Celebrex and others, announced that its novel medication Chantix received FDA approval for using as the oral anti-smoking pill.

Taking into account the fact, that there was only one oral pill against smoking, Zyban, before Chantix, its announcement naturally became of great interest for people, trying to quit smoking, and doctors, trying to help their patients become smoke-free. Pillwatch.com cannot leave the debut of Chantix without attention and offers its readers the most important information about this new medication.

What is Chantix? Chantix is a novel medication, which active ingredient varenicline tartrate was developed by Pfizer scientists exclusively to treat smoking addiction. It does not contain nicotine as plenty of nicotine replacement therapies (gums, patches, inhalers etc.) and in contrast to Zyban it does not belong to antidepressants. So, Chantix presents absolutely new approach to help quit the smoking habit.

How does Chantix work? In order to ensure complete and successful smoking cessation, Chantix works in two major directions in human organism: 1) it binds with nicotine receptors in brain, providing the effect very similar to that of nicotine; 2) when a person resumes smoking, Chantix makes nicotine unable to activate receptors and work in its usual manner.

Thus, Chantix helps to ease the withdrawal symptoms and make them less severe. Besides, it blocks nicotine influence, when a person starts smoking again. To demonstrate the difference between varenicline and nicotine in their influence on human brain, Chantix was once compared to a 50-watt light bulb in the receptor, while nicotine works like a 100-watt bulb.

What is the duration of Chantix treatment course? The approved course of Chantix treatment is 12 weeks. In case of successful treatment, patients are recommended to receive additional 12 weeks of treatment in order to increase the efficiency of treatment and to provide the long-term results.

What are the side effects of Chantix? The clinical trials showed that Chantix was generally well tolerated by all the patients, treated with it. The most common side effects, associated with Chantix, are nausea, constipation, gas, sleep disorders with some abnormal dreams and nightmares.

What is the difference between Chantix and Zyban? While both medications reduce the cravings for nicotine without supplying human body with nicotine from alternative source, Chantix and Zyban work differently to reach this aim. Zyban interferes with certain hormones in brain, such as dopamine, serotonin and norephinephrine, while Chantix is developed to work specifically with the brain receptors, responsible for cooperation with nicotine.

Are there any data on the effectiveness of Chantix? There were two clinical studies to check the effectiveness of Chantix prior to FDA approval. Both of them showed that 44 % of Chantix-treated patients successfully quitted smoking by the end of 12-week course. The result of Zyban was 30% under the same circumstances.

Conclusion The debut of Chantix is really impressive, and this medication may repeat the success of other revolutionary developments from Pfizer. Still, all the people should not forget that there is no medication to help quit smoking without the strong will of a smoker to finish up the bad habit.

Nick

User Contributed Comments

Anonymous

I have been on Chantix for two weeks now. I have not had one cigarette. I have been smoking for 35 years and this is the first product that has even come close to helping me. Thank you so much this may extend my life a little longer.

chelsie

it doesn't state whether a person can continue to smoke or has to quit 'cold turkey'
that would be very helpful information

Anonymous

THIS IS WHAT I NEED.I HAVE DONR PATCHES AND GUM.IT DIDNT DO GOOD. IS THERE IS FINACIAL HELP IN GETTING CHANTIX. THANK YOU PEGGY HIGGINS. [email protected]

Nick [Pillwatch Writer]

Chelsie, start taking CHANTIX 1 week (7 days) before your quit date. This lets
CHANTIX build up in your body. You can keep smoking during this time. Make sure that you try and stop smoking on your quit date.

Michelle

I started chantix in September - I quit one week after taking the pill. I have been a smoker for 20 years and never thought I could quit. I havent smoke in over a month and have had no withdrawl symptons. I have 4 of my friends start the process and have already quit. I highly recommned this pill to anyone who wants to quit smoking

PatP

Smoked my last cigarette Sept 10th. Smoked for over 30 years and today I am a non-smoker with few, if any cravings. 2 months! I would have never believed I could do it, but I have and also turned on 2 other smokers to Chantix

Kath

Can you buy this over the counter or do you have to have a prescription from your doctor?

Nick [Pillwatch Writer]

Kath, Chantix is a prescription medication, so you need to contact your physician or health-care provider and ask for Chantix prescription.

phrohgz

This is a wonder drug! My mother has been a smoker for 36 yrs. she was recently diagnosed with the onset of COPD, she started this pill just over 3 weeks ago, and on her 4th day she was smoke free. Before this she smoked 2-3 packs a day. Since being diagnosed they gave her Zyban that didn't work, Wellbutrin, and she has tried many over the counter gums patches etc. She is 16 days smoke free!!! I recommend this to anyone, yes it does cost buy pfizer has programs to help withthe cost! Besides that it is well worth considering your health and how much you spend on cigerettes, think of how much you'll save once done with this!

susier.geo

I am on day 5 of Chantix. I can tolerate about 1/2 a cigarette. So, I guess I have cut my smoking in half. Physically, I feel a little down and out, not really depressed but not excited or hyper as I used to be. I do not want to quit but employer has become a "non-smoking" campus. Our insurance carrier picked up the entire prescription tab, so I thought I would give it a shot. To sum up this story, I think Chantix is probably a great aide for those who want to quit... even if you are not 100% commited.

Suze

I started Chantix on 10-03-06 because I was referred to a cardiologist for a nuclear stress test to rule out a "likely" heart blockage. I started the medication and stopped smoking immediately . 3 days later I had my heart checked out and all was fine. I've stayed off cigarettes since then but here is what is more amazing.....I rarely (I mead RARELY) even think about smoking. As a smoker I constantly thought about my next cigarette. I started smoking at the age of 10 or 11, and probably have totalled 30 smoking years since then. I haven't needed to use any willpower. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT.

Sara

I have smoked for 33 years, 2-3 packs a day, and I have been smoke free for 3 months now. With Chantix, it doesn't feel like I've lost my best friend:O) I still have cravings, but I can work through them!!

chris

i have not started yet but have appointment with my doctor for this precription i am very excited about trying thid as i have smoled since i was 15 and are now 51 with 6 grandchildren and want to enjoys the rest of my days with them without wheezing and coughing-

Brenda

I have tried this product and can only say IT IS THE BEST. I have smoked for 30 years and finally after trying several other products I have Quit.Thank you PFIZER for coming up with such a good product. I have a new Granson and thanks to you I will be here on earth to see him grow up.

nanoo

Since Chantix blocks the nitotine receptors in the brain does it also affect those trying to quit smokless tobacco like Skoal and Copehagen?

jojo

is this available in canada yet or only the states

jojo

is there any weight gain issues with chantix

goose

OKAY...just popped my first pill! Smoker for 25 yrs. Never over a pack a day...but still consistant. I'm hoping this is the silver bullet. The above posts are encouraging. Like many posts, I have a younge child (9yrs) and worry about being around for him. I'm late 40's. Say a prayer for me!

Sarge

I believe the success rate of 44% must be an error. I personally know of twelve people who have tried this and all of them quit without any withdraw at all. That 100%. Plus I have heard of many others as well and none have failed to quit. Some of these smokers were dedicated smokers but decided to try it because of family and doctors pressure. I'm just starting the medicine myself an I'm excited about it. I feel very confident it will work (will post my results later). I also know of several people would love to try this, but a lack of insurance and poor finances is making it difficult for them. is there any relief for those who want to quit but can't afford it. I can't find any info on this subject. Thanx

Sue

Highly recommend! I am just finishing week 3 of the pills and have been quit for 2 weeks. I was a pack a day smoker for about 30 years. Had tried to quit in the past but had terrible anxiety. No anxiety this time. First 3 days are the worst and they weren't even really that bad. My husband is a smoker and that hasn't bothered me either. I think this drug is great and has worked well for me. They also provide you with a motivational website to check in to everyday which gives you a few things to think about. I can't believe I am smoke free for 2 weeks already. Cost at my grocery store pharmacy was about $130.00/month however my insurance covered it (believe it or not) and it cost $30.00. So I had no excuse not to try it and I am so glad I did. So if you're trying to decide..........go for it. It feels so good to breathe without wheezing and no more coughing until you pee your pants ladies! God Bless!

kbblue

I'm excited to think there might be something that will really help me get past the cravings. I'm smoker for 37 years. Really need to quit due to COPD. How do I get assistance on cost thru company?

Anonymous

If Chantix affects the receptors like nicotine, will the cravings return after getting of Chantix regardless of using it for 12 or 24 weeks? I heard that it makes cigs taste awful. Is that true?

Tina

This is the best product I have tried I have been smoke free for 16 days I had to have a smoke 16 days ago just to see the results and this work great. I was disappointted at first becuase I really enjoyed smoking. I have smoked for over 27 years and dental surgrey has given me the choice of quitting. Today I can actually say I'm a nonsmokers and will enjoy each day to the fullest. This works so well.

mona

I have been smoke free for 1 month today. chantix does work. Now what I want to know is what happens when you stop taking chantix??
I think smoking is sick, and I hope to never return to it.

cristy

Has anyone complained of depression while taking Chantix?

snakebite

I smoked non-filter camels and roll your owns (non-filter)for over forty years, and was so addicted, I woke up at night just to smoke a couple times a night. I had tried other methods, but failed at them all. The cigarettes I did smoke during the first week, (which was suggested in the literature) started doing me no good as far as the 'ahhhhhhhh' effect. Soon it was useless to even light up, I was just 'going through the motions'. I have been free of tabacco for going on two months and the cravings I feel DO pass soon and rather painlessly. My husband had been on oyxgen for 24/7 for over a year due to his refusal to give up smoking and the impact on his lungs, he was told he has COPD. He watched how easy it was working for me, and said if I could quit, it would work on anyone. He got a prescription, started taking it, quit the smokes, and heres the kicker: he no longer needs the oxygen.This drug is going to save a lot of lives. I will tell anyone who wants to know, this works, forget the gum, patches, all that stuff which just gives you more nicotene, go with Chantix. Your life may just depend on it.

bt wb pa

I have smoked for more than 40 years.Today i can honestly say i have not smoked since feb 5th o7. Thanks to my wonderful heart doctor.He gave me a prescription & i tried it & it worked.The best pill on the market.Especially for the person that hasn't much wellpower. THE GREATEST PILL ON EARTH. THANK YOU PFIZER. BOB

dhd

i am excited about getting started, however i need to know what the biggest side affects are. Is weight gain an issue for anyone?

Carolyn

Started my prescription today. Been smoking for 36 years and about 2+ packs a day. I am seriously hoping for a miracle! I am tired of being a slave to cigs! See many questions here but no answers ( or maybe just one) I am getting some carrots etc for snacking on to help beat the hands useage part of the problem, and hoping for a easy time of this with all that I read, I am hopeful for the first time....will post more as time goes on for me and let you know the answers to some of these questions if I can...

Sue

I am at 8 weeks smoke free today! It is great to breathe and not cough anymore. I will try and answer some of the above questions. The only side effects I suffered was slight stomach upset sometimes. It helps to drink a full glass of water. If I don't drink enough water it will give me heartburn. If you take it during your meal - eat some, take the pill with water and then eat more - that works best. Weight gain is an issue - as your heart rate slows (which is a good thing) so does your metabolism. Exercise I'm sure would help but I haven't done that yet. I sleep great although very vivid dreams. Not nightmares just vivid dreams whereas before I never (remembered) dreamed.I just started my 3rd month of pills and I too would like to know what happens when you stop because my moods are so good and even on this drug I almost would like to stay on it. I may experiment with decreasing to 1 pill a day and see how my moods are. I certainly don't want to substitue one addiction for another! So, if you are on the fence about this drug - get it, it's great, it's a lifesaver. It's amazing how much free time I have now and I can smell things (some aren't very nice) that I never noticed before. Good Luck to all of you just starting out. And to those of you researching - go for it, you'll be glad you did.

canaras

I will start my 8th week tomorrow...(I thought it was only 7 'till I did the math) It hardly seems like it, because it has been so easy. I am also curious about stopping the pill because the enclosed literature said to consult your Dr. I figure if I wean off it like I started? 1st week was .5 continuing weeks are 1.0. So I'm rationalizing that I will stay with 2x a day, but score them and take half for my twelth week. Hope that makes sense. I echo the success rate...it must be more that 44 %. I have recommended this with results in two co-workers. More people need to know about this drug. Besides Pfizer's ads there should be news stories....where are they?

lin

I have smoked for 40 years and have tried EVERYTHING - patches, hypnosis, laser, acupuncture, gum, lozengers and nothng worked. I am on my 2nd week of pills, 3 days without a cigarette. The true test was last night, I went out for drinks after work, everyone else was smoking (sure looks dumb now) and it never occurred to me to have one. Not sure why, but it's soooo easy. It's really strange, it just doesn't occur to me to smoke. Whereas, it used to be that was ALL I thought about.

erkel

Well I am a Registered Nurse and just picked up my script today and took the first pill. I have been a pack and a half smoker for about fifteen years. I keep thinking how bad it looks for a health care worker to smell like a brush fire, The car smells, the house smells and I am sure my clothes smell like smoke. I took the first pill at four this afternoon and now here at nine I just tried smoking a cig. Did not "really" want it but more habit I suppose. It tasted bland. I went into this feeling like it was a waste of money as my Blue Cross Blue Shield will pay for the lung cancer costs but not anything to prevent it. So I was out the full amount and kicked myself for spending it. I was really surprised. I note that severla people want assistance for the medication and I am aware that their is some assistance. Possibly go to the Pfizer web site. If you have insurance it will help minimally but if you have no insurance it helps a lot more. Consider, however if you do quit, save the money that you would have used to buy smokes to buy your medication for the next month and so on, just in case they have a limit of the amount they will pay for.

Kevin

Starting week 3 and been smoke-free for a week now-smoked a pack a day for almost 10 years. Have tried the patch and the gum...this one looks the most promising. The cravings I can now manage!

steve

On my second week of the pills. I have had a few of the side effects. I have also been getting real bad headaches. I am smoke free for 3 days now

Anonymous

Today is day 7 for me smoke free on chantix. I have found however that I am very depressed, do not want to get out of bed, I am angry,and a little psychotic. I also take Zoloft. Anyone but me having any of these symptoms?

annie m

Me and my husband started chantix about 3 weeks ago and are very pleased with the way it has worked for us we did as it said to smoke the first week and take the pills as it instructed and then on the next week we set out quit date and have stayed on track without smoking and then my husband got the urge and thought he wanted a cigarette and so I told him go ahead and try one and see if you feel bad about doing that to your self and he did he smoked about a half one and said it tasted like the first one he ever smoked and he said that was enough of that I have not had and urges since the first three days thoughts because I don't know what to do with all the spare time I have on my hands but not urges and worry about being around family who do still smoke but will worry about that when it happens. It is the most wonderful medication they have ever come up with and would strongly recommend it to anyone wanting to quit or forced to quit it really works and the best thing is to change my life style and and few friends who don't want to quit yet don't really want to tempt myself by being around them but I also have this horrible taste in my mouth at times and in my nose and have a hard time getting the smell out but it soon goes away it smells like tar or something can't really figure the smell out but it is very annoying anyone else have this problem. My husband has a bad dream every now and then but nothing major this is great and we are so glad we did this I would hope that everyone would try this. Way to go Pfizer you did you save america and made the miracle pill.

randy

have only been smoke free for one week. but smoked 2 plus packs for thirty years. quit once for 2 years with patch, it was absolutelly the hardest thing i have ever done. recently my doctor with my blood test results told me to quit. really wasnt ready but bought the pills and started to take them. this is so easy compared to anything else i have tried i cant believe anybody couldnt do it. ther are times when i will reach for or want a cig but that lasts about 15 seconds and you find your mind has moved on. where is the advertising? wish i had some money to invest. wait a few years, i really think this could change our smoking population as we know it. dont wait, you can do it,really!

Mimi

Today 6/18/07 is my quit day. After the 1st week of the Chantix (before your quit date)I had no anxiousness last night when I smoked my last butt. Relief was more like it. Smoking since I was 13 and am now 46. It has been 16 hours witout a butt. Quit for 3 years using gum, but this is easier. On a scale of 1-10 as far hard, I'm going to say it's about a 2 which is amazing the heck out of me. I found after one day of taking Chantix, that I had no cigarette taste in my mouth, even after smoking a cigarette. I hate that taste but it is that very taste that makes you want yet another cigarette. So I am saying my prayers and have asked many friends to say them for me as I need all the help I can get. I purchased 2 boxes of candy cigarettes and put one in my mouth, just to wean myself off of the habit of having the actual cigarette in my hand. This helped me quit at age 35 for 3 years. I believe Chantix will do it's part, and we have to manage the association of our cigarette urges on our own. I have walked 1 mile on break today and one mile at lunch. I refuse to gain any weight as I never gained any the last time I quit 10 years ago. Over eating will just make you miserable. Also if I feel I want a cigarette, I get up and do 50 jumping jacks at my desk. I sure don't want one after that! And the people below my office hear me, but they know it's for a good cause. So don't eat, exercise, even if it's just for 3 minutes. Those 3 minutes will have you losing weight instead of gaining weight. Good luck to everyone who tries this!! Pray for me. Goose, I already prayed for you after I read your story.

kev

i am going to try chantix post 25 yrs smoking...as above mentioned it is not cool to be in the medical field and smell like smoke the stygma is great...many respiratory therapist have raved about chantix and its success, you should all be very proud for doing the right thing even though it is not easy. good luck to all and remember it is not how long we are on earth that counts, it is how good we feel each and every day we have on earth!!

kev

i believe the nicotinic reeptors die off when not used or blocked so that when d/c chantix you should not have cravings as the receptors are gone

sweetcake

I am researching as I truly want to quit with no side effects ( or as little as possible). No one mentioned weight gain? Does Chantix also help to keep your appetitie in check?

JoJo

I started taking Chantix today. Thank God! I am so excited about this. Hopefully my dear husband will be soon to follow. I hate smoking, and have been so mad at myself every morning I wake up with that horrible feeling in my chest like I cannot get any air in or out. I am so SICK of getting sick all the time when I have colds. They always turn into bronchitis or pneumonia. There isn't a thing in the world that is from other than my darn smoking. I have been wanting to quit for sometime and when I found out about Chantix it was like light at the end of the tunnel. I watched my grandmother die of emphazema, my mother has COPD. Weak lungs run in families like weak hearts. The weak lungs were passed down to me, and I am doing even more damage by smoking. I am 25 years old, and I feel like I am an old, old woman. I REFUSE to let cigarettes rule my world anymore. I want to rule my world and surround myself with things that smell good and clean..which are impossible if you're a smoker. I hate you cigarettes!!

Becky

It sounds like the pill I need. What is the cost of Chantix?

Jill

I was a smoker for 26 years. I stop smoking on my 6th day. I did not need the pills anymore and gave to my husband who had smoked for 27 years. He quit after 10 days. Now we both have been smoke free for 6 months. This is a miracle pill.

Rebecca

I was on chantix and it was working great. But, after 3 weeks I began feeling depressed and was having really strange thoughts, plus I exp. several other side effects from chantrix. I had to quit taking the medicine, and I hate that cause it was working great. Hope they come out with something else for those of us who can't take chantrix.

becky lou

Does this work for people who chew also? I am going to talk to my doctor next week about it for smoking, but was wondering about chewing for my husband

pammy

has anyone found an effective way to eliminate nausea??? i had to stop taking it nausea was so bad!! HELP!

born skeptic

i like this new idea. it's the same way we get babies off of bottles. we introduce something in small increments. this pill basically fills the whole of our receptors gradually. while we continue to smoke the need to smoke isn't lessened but the amount we need while smoking is. if continued the chantix has reduced the amount needed to none. the additional treatment is just an insurance policy. and since chantix isn't ( or hasn't been proven to be) addictive, all you have to do is stop taking them once you feel strong enough. i will make sure to invest in this company. i'll be able to once i quit snoking. a share might be around the price of a carton of cigarettes =) good luck

j-lo410

Hi to everyone:), I'm just wondering if anyone out there has tried and compared this chantix to zyban?, and can tell me what is their opinion on the chances of success to expect while on chantix as compared to taking zyban?... I've previously quit with zyban several years ago, but soon relapsed and now smoke more than ever!... I am only 23 years old and have recently got a very serious gum infection, which I am very soon to see a dentist about and am also now more aware and concerned about the ill-health effects and in particular the life-risks connected to smoking, especially due to my non-smoking boyfriend consistently reminding me recently about them, only because he cares and loves me so much and wants me to live a very long and happy life with him, -but most of all for myself!!!... I am very keen to try either this chantix or zyban again, but are confused about which one will be more effective and will make it much easier for me to quit -definently for good this time!!!, so if anyone has tried both, then please let me know what are your thoughts and experiences on this?... Thankyou very much for reading my post and I wish everyone on here the best of luck and success in their efforts to quit as well as congratulating all those who have already conquered this potent life-destroying demon called cigarettes!... I look forward to soon living a full and prospeous life without them, and hope that day will soon come to ALL smokers across the world before it is too late... Cheers:)

Nick {The Pillwatch Writer}

To J-Lo410,
The fact is that statistically Chantix is more effective than Zyban - 44% vs 29%. Such efficacy rates were proved by clinical studies. However, based on the feedbacks above - it seems to me that chances to quit smoking with Chantix are far more higher. Besides, keep in mind, that Chantix is the medication, which was specially designed against smoking, while Zyban is an antidepressant.

I began taking Chantix 6 days ago. My doctor warned me about the depression side effects and I laughed. I am one of the most happy-go-lucky people you will ever meet, and the thought of a medicine hindering my ability to think for myself seemed like a silly concept to me at the time. I began taking the medicine and within the first 2 days noticed my cravings dropping substantially. Unfortunately my mood swings were wild, and uncontrollable. Just the second day on the medication I was sitting with my girlfriend watching a movie and had the strongest feelings of sadness come over me that I've ever experienced. I felt like someone I love had died compounded by everything else in the world crashing down around me. This feeling, thankfully, only lasted for about an hour and I was back to normal. The next day a similar bout ensued, this too lasting for about an hour. The following day however was the last straw. I was off of work this day. I woke up around 9 a.m. to the most horrible dream (a common side effect of this drug) and took my morning dose of 0.5 mg. I was experiencing the feeling of depression worse than felt previously, so I decided maybe I should go back to sleep. I woke up around 10:30 curled up and crying. Picture if you will a grown, 6'2 200 lbs. man crying like a little girl contemplating taking his own life to rid himself of the pain and sadness he was experiencing at moment. I awoke, took a shower and got some lunch. All-the-while feeling no different. I called my doctor at 1pm and he warned me to immediately stop taking the medicine. Which I did. Just a warning to all, no matter what your views are on what you think you can handle, imagine yourself experiencing the worse type of sadness imaginable and multiplying this by 10. That is what I felt on Chantix. I am a "strong" "happy" person, and had no reason to feel this way, but when faced with the situation first hand I was not myself. I was not the happy-go-lucky person my friends know me as. I was irrational in all thoughts and actions, and even in my slumber was adversely affected by this medication. I am now HAPPILY smoking again and would like to warn all who take this medication to beware, and have people monitoring them at all times on this medicine. Trust me. You cannot trust yourself if this medicine decides to claim you in the "10-15%" of affected depression cases.....

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mediaroom.pfizer.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=57 www.chantix.com/

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