What is varenicline?
Varenicline is known by the trade name of Chantix in the US and Champix in Europe and some other regions where Pfizer markets its products. It was discovered and developed by them. It is a prescription drug used in the treatment of smoking addiction.
It is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist. That means it is different from nicotine antagonists like bupropin and nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) like nicotine patches and nicotine gums. It is different from these in that it not only cuts down cravings for cigarettes but also reduces the pleasure derived from smoking a cigarette or consuming other tobacco products.
Varenicline has proved to be more effective in cessation of smoking as compared to NRTs and antagonists. It has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the treatment of smoking addiction. It can be used for a period of twelve weeks and can be continued for another twelve if there is improvement.
How it works to treat addiction?
As stated earlier, varenicline is a partial agonist. Varenicline works in two ways. Firstly, it gives the body progressively smaller doses of nicotine which helps the body adjust to the absence of nicotine in the body. Secondly, it prevents nicotine from stimulating the nicotine receptors in the brain , affecting the release of dopamine. Due to this, the individual does not get a nicotine rush on smoking.
There are some common side-effects like nausea that some of those using varenicline experience. Other effects like headaches, abdominal pain and constipation are less commonly seen. Depression and suicidal thoughts are extremely rare but have been seen in some patients using this drug.
Caution
Varenicline has not yet been tested on some groups and they should be careful while using this drug. Tests are yet to be conducted on its suitability for certain groups of people like those under 18 years, pregnant and nursing women as well as senior citizens.
