How Does Chantix Work?

CHANTIX is a non-nicotine prescription medicine specifically developed to help adults 18 and over quit smoking. Over 6 million people in the U.S. have already been prescribed CHANTIX.

How is CHANTIX different from other smoking cessation products?

CHANTIX does not contain nicotine. It works in two ways. It targets nicotine receptors in the brain, attaches to them, and blocks nicotine from reaching them. It is believed that CHANTIX also activates these receptors, causing a reduced release of dopamine compared to nicotine.

It's recommended that you begin your CHANTIX treatment a week before you stop smoking completely. This gives CHANTIX a chance to build up in your body. You may smoke during the first week of your CHANTIX treatment, but you should stop smoking completely on Day 8 of your treatment.

CHANTIX is proven to work.

In studies, 44% of CHANTIX users were quit during weeks 9 to 12 of treatment (compared to 18% on sugar pill). CHANTIX also helped reduce the urge to smoke.

Important Safety Informationabout Chantix

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.

Some people can have serious skin reactions while taking CHANTIX, some of which can become life-threatening. These can include rash, swelling, redness, and peeling of the skin. Some people can have allergic reactions to CHANTIX, some of which can be life-threatening and include: swelling of the face, mouth, and throat that can cause trouble breathing. If you have these symptoms or have a rash with peeling skin or blisters in your mouth, stop taking CHANTIX and get medical attention right away.

The most common side effects include nausea (30%), sleep problems, constipation, gas, and/or vomiting. If you have side effects that bother you or don’t go away, tell your doctor.

You may have trouble sleeping, vivid, unusual, or strange dreams while taking CHANTIX. Use caution driving or operating machinery until you know how CHANTIX may affect you.

What are the side effects of Chantix?

Most severe: Muscle pain, joint pain, sores in your mouth, or fever, seizures, fast or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, severe nervousness or anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feelings of irritability or hostility, impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior, severe restlessness, worsening feelings of depression, thoughts of hurting yourself, or any other mental or mood changes.

Most common: Dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, flushing, headache or migraine, loss of appetite, weight loss, anxiety or restlessness, shakiness, increased sweating, ringing in the ears, strange taste in mouth, or weakness.

Other: Allergic reaction including rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing.