Had the DR prescribe Chantix

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010 at 3:25 pm

Okay, here I go!

As of this writing I have yet to take my first pill. But, I did want to tell everyone what is going on.

I had an appointment with my Dr. this morning and he prescribed me Chantrix. Now let’s take a look, shall we?

Chantix is a trade name for Varenicline. Varenicline is a nicotine blocker. It targets nicotine receptors in the brain, attaches to them, and blocks nicotine from reaching them. By activating these nicotine receptors, it is also believed that CHANTIX causes less dopamine – compared to nicotine – to be released.

So, what are the side effects, you might ask? Well there are some side effects as with any drug. Here’s what CHANTIX says:

Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking CHANTIX, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping CHANTIX. If you, your family, or caregiver notice agitation, hostility, depression, or changes in behavior, thinking, or mood that are not typical for you, or you develop suicidal thoughts or actions, anxiety, panic, aggression, anger, mania, abnormal sensations, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion, stop taking CHANTIX and call your doctor right away. Also tell your doctor about any history of depression or other mental health problems before taking CHANTIX, as these symptoms may worsen while taking CHANTIX.

Here’s what I say:

If at anytime I should feel the want or need to disembowel myself or anyone else using a spoon and a handkerchief, please discontinue use and notify a doctor immediately!

Now for some numbers. Apparently this product has worked for several people and according the study 44% of CHANTIX users quit compared to 30% using Zyban.