Varenicline 0.5-1 mg
Informational leaflet with dosage instructions and safety information.
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Varenicline
- Varenicline: Prescription medication that helps you stop smoking by reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Active ingredient: Varenicline
- Used for: Stop smoking
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Product Information
Better health begins with the right choices.
Medically Verified
Dr. Cosmin Alexandru
General Medicine Doctor | CUIM: 2791492305Dr. Cosmin Alexandru has 20+ years in emergency and family medicine, now serving at County Clinic Hospital Sibiu.
What is Varenicline?
Varenicline is a prescription medicine used to help adults stop smoking. It works by targeting nicotine receptors in the brain that are involved in addiction.
Smoking causes dependence because nicotine stimulates certain receptors in the brain that release dopamine, a chemical linked to pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on nicotine to maintain these signals.
Varenicline helps break this cycle by partially activating these nicotine receptors. This reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms while also decreasing the rewarding effects of cigarettes if you smoke during treatment.
Varenicline is typically used as part of a structured smoking cessation plan and works best when combined with behavioural support and motivation to quit.
What is it used for?
Varenicline is used to help adults quit smoking.
When you stop smoking, your body may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Strong nicotine cravings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased appetite
- Sleep disturbances
Varenicline helps reduce these symptoms by partially stimulating nicotine receptors in the brain.
It also blocks nicotine from cigarettes from fully activating these receptors. This means that if you smoke while taking varenicline, the cigarette will feel less satisfying.
By reducing cravings and the rewarding effects of nicotine, varenicline increases the chances of successfully quitting smoking.
How does the product work?
Varenicline works by interacting with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain.
These receptors normally respond to nicotine from cigarettes.
Varenicline acts as a partial agonist, meaning it both stimulates and blocks these receptors.
This produces two important effects:
1. Reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Varenicline partially stimulates the receptors, helping maintain dopamine release at a lower level. This reduces withdrawal symptoms when you stop smoking.
2. Reduced reward from cigarettes
If you smoke while taking varenicline, the medication blocks nicotine from fully activating the receptors. This reduces the pleasurable effects of smoking.
Because of this dual action, varenicline can help you gradually break nicotine dependence.
Who should not use the product?
You should not use varenicline if:
- You are allergic to varenicline or any ingredient in the medicine
- You have experienced a serious allergic reaction to varenicline in the past
Varenicline should be used with caution if you:
- Have kidney disease
- Have a history of depression or other mental health conditions
- Have previously experienced behavioural changes while using smoking cessation medicines
Always inform your doctor about your full medical history before starting treatment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, speak to a doctor before using varenicline.
Although stopping smoking during pregnancy is strongly recommended, varenicline may not always be the preferred option. Your doctor will help determine the safest approach.
Varenicline may pass into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before starting treatment.
How to use and dosage
Always take varenicline exactly as prescribed.
Treatment usually begins one week before your planned quit date.
The dose is gradually increased during the first week to help your body adjust:
- Days 1–3: low starting dose once daily
- Days 4–7: low dose twice daily
- From day 8 onwards: maintenance dose twice daily
The standard treatment course usually lasts 12 weeks. In some cases, treatment may be extended to help maintain smoking abstinence.
Take the tablets:
- After eating
- With a full glass of water
Do not stop taking varenicline without medical advice unless you experience significant side effects.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, varenicline can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Sleep disturbances
- Vivid dreams
- Headache
- Insomnia
Other possible side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Gas or indigestion
- Changes in appetite
Some people may experience mood changes or behavioural changes during treatment.
If you or people around you notice unusual changes in mood, behaviour or thinking, contact your doctor.
Important safety information
Before starting varenicline, tell your doctor if you:
- Have kidney disease
- Have a history of depression or anxiety
- Have previously experienced seizures
- Are taking other medicines that affect the nervous system
Varenicline may cause dizziness or sleepiness in some people. If this occurs, avoid driving or operating machinery.
Alcohol tolerance may change during treatment, so it is advisable to limit alcohol intake until you know how the medicine affects you.
Support programmes, counselling or behavioural therapy may further improve your chances of quitting smoking successfully.
When to seek medical help
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips or throat)
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Seizures
Contact your doctor if:
- You experience severe nausea or persistent vomiting
- You notice significant mood changes
- You develop depression, anxiety or unusual behaviour
- You experience persistent side effects
If you are unsure whether your symptoms are related to your medication or nicotine withdrawal, you can book a secure video consultation with a licensed doctor via Transtoyou for personalised advice. If symptoms are severe or sudden, seek urgent medical care immediately.
General Information
What is [Product name] used for?
Varenicline is used to help adults stop smoking by reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It works by targeting nicotine receptors in the brain that are involved in addiction.
How does [Product name] help you quit smoking?
Varenicline helps people quit smoking by partially stimulating nicotine receptors in the brain while also blocking nicotine from cigarettes. This reduces cravings and makes smoking less satisfying if you do smoke during treatment.
How long does it take to feel the effects of [Product name]?
Varenicline usually starts reducing nicotine cravings within the first week of treatment. Most people begin taking Varenicline one week before their planned quit date so the medicine can start working before they stop smoking.
How effective is [Product name] for quitting smoking?
Varenicline is considered one of the most effective prescription medicines for smoking cessation. Studies show that Varenicline can significantly increase the chances of quitting smoking compared with placebo or some other treatments.
Safety & Side Effects
What happens if I smoke while taking [Product name]?
Varenicline reduces the pleasurable effects of nicotine if you smoke during treatment. Many people find that cigarettes feel less satisfying while taking Varenicline, which helps reinforce quitting behaviour.
What are the possible side effects of [Product name]?
Varenicline commonly causes nausea, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, headache and insomnia as side effects. These side effects are often mild and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication.
Can [Product name] cause vivid dreams?
Varenicline may cause vivid dreams or unusual sleep patterns in some people. These effects are a known side effect of the medicine and are usually not harmful.
Can [Product name] cause mood changes?
Varenicline may affect mood in some individuals, particularly people with a history of mental health conditions. Any significant mood changes, depression or behavioural changes should be discussed with a doctor.
Does [Product name] cause weight gain?
Varenicline itself does not usually cause significant weight gain. Weight gain after quitting smoking is common because nicotine suppresses appetite, but stopping smoking is still highly beneficial for overall health.
Is [Product name] safe for long-term use?
Varenicline is usually prescribed for a defined treatment period rather than long-term continuous use. Some people may receive extended treatment to support long-term smoking cessation.
Usage & Administration
How long should [product name] be taken?
Varenicline is typically taken for a 12-week treatment course. In some cases, doctors may recommend an additional 12 weeks to help maintain long-term smoking abstinence.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while using [Product name]?
Varenicline may change how some people respond to alcohol. Some individuals report increased intoxication or unusual reactions to alcohol, so it is advisable to limit alcohol intake during treatment.
Can [Product name] be taken with nicotine replacement therapy?
Varenicline is usually used on its own rather than combined with nicotine replacement therapy. A doctor may advise on the most appropriate treatment approach depending on your smoking history.
What should I do if I miss a dose of [Product name]?
If you miss a dose of Varenicline, take the next scheduled dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed tablet.
Can I stop taking [Product name] early?
Varenicline should normally be taken for the full treatment course unless advised otherwise by a doctor. Stopping treatment early may reduce the chances of successfully quitting smoking
Ordering & Delivery
How can I order [Product name] online?
To get [Product name], fill out a medical form or book a video consult with a doctor via Transtoyou. After approval, your prescription is sent to the pharmacy for fast delivery.
Do I need a prescription for [Product name]?
[Product name] requires a valid prescription, which is issued after the doctor reviewed your answered in the medical questionnaire or via a video consultation with the doctor.
How fast is [Product name] delivered?
After approval by a doctor from Transtoyou, the prescription of [Product name] is forwarded to an affiliated pharmacy and typically shipped within 1–2 working days.
Can I return [Product name] if I change my mind?
For safety and legal reasons prescription medication (RX) and in this case [Product name] is non-returnable once shipped.
What Varenicline is and what it is used for?
Varenicline is a prescription medicine used to help adults stop smoking.
It contains the active substance varenicline, which works by interacting with nicotine receptors in the brain. By partially stimulating these receptors and blocking nicotine from cigarettes, varenicline can:
- Reduce cravings for cigarettes
- Decrease withdrawal symptoms when stopping smoking
- Lower the rewarding effects of smoking if cigarettes are used during treatment
Varenicline is used as part of a smoking cessation programme and is most effective when combined with motivation and behavioural support.
Stopping smoking improves overall health and reduces the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, lung disease and cancer.
What you need to know before taking Varenicline?
Do not take Varenicline if you:
- Are allergic to varenicline or any of the ingredients in the medicine
Speak to your doctor before using Varenicline if you:
- Have a history of depression or other psychiatric conditions
- Have previously experienced suicidal thoughts or behavioural changes
- Have cardiovascular disease
- Have experienced seizures
- Have kidney problems
Some people taking varenicline have reported:
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Agitation
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
If you or people around you notice changes in mood, behaviour or thinking, stop taking the medicine and contact a doctor immediately.
Serious allergic reactions and severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome have also been reported. Seek urgent medical help if you develop swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or severe skin reactions.
Stopping smoking itself may affect how certain medicines work. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of medicines such as:
- Theophylline
- Warfarin
- Insulin
Varenicline is not recommended for children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using varenicline. It is generally recommended to avoid use during pregnancy.
Varenicline may cause dizziness, sleepiness or temporary loss of consciousness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
How to take Varenicline?
Always take Varenicline exactly as prescribed.
Treatment usually begins before your planned quit date.
Most people choose a stop-smoking date between day 8 and day 14 after starting treatment.
Typical dosing schedule:
Week 1
Day 1–3
- 0.5 mg once daily
Day 4–7
- 0.5 mg twice daily
Week 2 to Week 12
Day 8 onwards
- 1 mg twice daily
Tablets should be:
- Swallowed whole with water
- Taken with or without food
- Taken at approximately the same time each day
If you successfully stop smoking after 12 weeks, your doctor may recommend an additional 12 weeks of treatment to help prevent relapse.
If side effects occur, your doctor may reduce the dose to 0.5 mg twice daily.
If you miss a dose:
- Take it as soon as you remember
- Skip the dose if your next dose is due soon
- Do not take a double dose
Do not stop treatment early without consulting your doctor.
Possible side effects of Varenicline
Like all medicines, Varenicline may cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Very common side effects:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Abnormal dreams
- Nasal or throat irritation
Common side effects:
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Weight gain
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Taste changes
- Cough or shortness of breath
- Stomach upset
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Dry mouth
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fatigue
Less common side effects:
- Anxiety or mood changes
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Changes in sexual desire
- Tremor
- Increased blood pressure
- Heart palpitations
Rare but serious side effects include:
- Seizures
- Stroke or heart attack
- Severe skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Severe allergic reactions with swelling of the face or throat
Stopping smoking itself may cause symptoms such as irritability, sleep disturbances, anxiety and increased appetite.
Contact your doctor if you experience severe or persistent side effects.
How to store Varenicline
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children
- Do not use after the expiry date on the packaging
- No special storage conditions are required
- Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste; ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use
This leaflet summary does not replace the official patient information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Always read the full leaflet carefully before use and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
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