What is Champix? A Complete Guide to Varenicline for Quitting Smoking

TL;DR

• Champix is a prescription drug (varenicline) that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Clinical trials show a 44%‑55% quit‑rate vs 30% for placebo when used for 12 weeks.
• Standard regimen: start one week before quitting, then 0.5mg daily → 1mg twice daily.
• Common side‑effects: nausea, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams; rare but serious: mood changes.
• Best results come from combining Champix with behavioral support and a quit‑date plan.

How Champix Works: The Science Made Simple

When you smoke, nicotine binds to receptors in your brain called α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This triggers dopamine release, which gives the "feel‑good" hit and reinforces the habit. Champix is a partial agonist - it fits into the same receptor but only activates it partially. The result is two‑fold:

1. It delivers enough dopamine to ease cravings, so you don’t feel the urge as sharply.
2. Because it occupies the receptor, if you smoke a cigarette the nicotine can’t bind properly, making the cigarette less satisfying.

Think of it like a low‑power light bulb that keeps the room dimly lit. You still have some light (less intense cravings), but the bright flash of a cigarette no longer overwhelms you.

Effectiveness & Clinical Evidence

Numbers matter when you’re deciding whether to start a medication. Here’s what the big studies say:

Study	Duration	Quit Rate (Champix)	Quit Rate (Placebo)
Jasper et al., 2008 (EU)	12weeks	44%	30%
Tonstad et al., 2006 (US)	24weeks	55%	31%
Koegelenberg et al., 2022 (South Africa)	12weeks	48%	28%

Across diverse populations, Champix consistently outperforms placebo and even nicotine‑replacement therapy (NRT) when participants also receive counseling. The difference may seem modest on paper, but in real life it translates to dozens of extra people staying smoke‑free for months, even years.

Key take‑aways from the data:

• Starting the medication a week before your quit‑date boosts success by ~10%.
• Combining Champix with behavioral support raises quit rates an extra 5%‑10%.
• Most relapses happen after the first month; extending treatment to 24 weeks reduces that risk.

Dosage, Usage & Safety: What You Need to Know Before Starting

Getting the regimen right is crucial. Below is the standard schedule approved in most countries, including South Africa:

1. Day1-3 (pre‑quit phase): 0.5mg once daily with food.
2. Day4-7: 0.5mg twice daily (morning and evening) with food.
3. Day8 onward (quit date onward): 1mg twice daily for at least 12weeks.
   • If you tolerate the drug well, many doctors suggest a second 12‑week course.

Tips to minimise side‑effects:

• Take each dose with a full glass of water and a snack - nausea drops dramatically.
• Stay hydrated; dehydration can amplify headaches and dizziness.
• If you experience vivid dreams, try taking the evening dose earlier (e.g., after lunch) or discuss a dose reduction with your doctor.

Common side‑effects (affecting ~30% of users) include:

• Nausea (usually mild, peaks week4, then fades)
• Headache
• Insomnia or vivid dreams
• Dry mouth

Serious but rare (<1%): mood swings, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts. If you notice any sudden change in mood, call your health professional immediately. The drug is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

FAQs, Tips & Next Steps for a Successful Quit Journey

Here are the questions people most often ask after reading the basics.

Can I use Champix with other quit‑methods?

Yes. It pairs well with counseling, quit‑lines, and even NRT patches for the first few days if cravings are intense. However, avoid using more than one oral medication (e.g., varenicline+bupropion) unless a doctor specifically advises it.

How long will I need to stay on Champix?

At minimum 12weeks, but many clinicians recommend a 24‑week course, especially if you have a heavy smoking history (20+ cigarettes/day). After you’re smoke‑free for six months, some people taper off under medical supervision.

What if I miss a dose?

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to the next scheduled dose - then skip the missed one. Never double up.

Is Champix covered by medical aid in South Africa?

Some private medical schemes list varenicline under “pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation.” Check your benefits booklet or call the provider. If not covered, the cost is roughly R1200-1500 for a 12‑week pack.

Can I drink alcohol while on Champix?

Moderate alcohol (a glass of wine or beer) is generally fine. Heavy drinking can increase nausea and affect sleep, so keep it light.

What are the biggest pitfalls to avoid?

• Skipping the pre‑quit week - you lose the priming effect.
• Stopping abruptly because of mild nausea - taper slowly with your doctor’s guidance.
• Ignoring the psychological side‑effects - schedule a brief check‑in with a therapist if you feel mood‑related symptoms.

Now that you have the facts, here’s a quick action plan:

1. Book an appointment with your GP and ask for a varenicline prescription.
2. Pick a quit‑date at least 7days away, then start the low‑dose pre‑quit phase.
3. Enroll in a free quit‑line or local support group - a weekly call can keep you accountable.
4. Track cravings, side‑effects, and victories in a simple notebook or app.
5. Celebrate milestones (1‑week, 1‑month) with non‑smoke rewards - a new book, a movie night, or a weekend hike.

Quitting smoking is a marathon, not a sprint. Champix gives you a pharmacological boost, but your mindset, support network, and daily habits seal the win.