Chantix Side Effects
Chantix side effects have been a topic of controversy in the last year after the Institute for Safe Medical Practices (ISMP) received a high number of reports regarding abnormal behavior. These reports contained potential side effects that had not been realized by the manufacturer, Pfizer, including depression and suicidal thoughts. Despite all the media attention, none of these side effects have been directly linked to the use of Chantix and clinical trials have shown the drug to be well tolerated and safe.Chantix was launched in 2006 in the United States as a revolutionary stop smoking medication, designed to make smoking easier to quit. It boasted a success rate of 44%, twice as high in comparison to other smoking cessation treatments. More importantly, it achieved this without the use of nicotine and this feature distinguished it from other stop smoking treatments.
Since then, numerous reports have emerged linking Chantix to unstable mental behavior. Despite this, Chantix remains an FDA approved treatment and the benefits you can expect to receive from using this medication far outweigh the rare chance of complicated side effects. None of the reports linking Chantix to suicidal behavior have been confirmed. The FDA reviewed its decision to approval Chantix in 2008 and added an additional label onto Chantix packs. This advises users to discontinue use of Chantix if they experience any serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts.The most common Chantix side effect
From the clinical trials conducted by Pfizer, results show the most common Chantix side effect is nausea. However, the level of nausea experienced by most patients was described as generally mild or moderate in nature and went away after a week of treatment.The occurrence of nausea as a Chantix side effect is dependent on each dosage. Nausea was reported by approximately 30% of patients. However, when the dose was reduced to half the normal size, the same side effect was only experienced by 16% of people. Thus, lowering the dosage can help reduce these undesired symptoms.
List of Chantix side effects
From the official Pfizer trials and unofficial clinical trials conducted into the effectiveness of Chantix, we've compiled a list below of possible side effects. It should not be assumed that the items on this list will occur when using Chantix. Most disorders listed are very rare, occurring in less than 5% of users.Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Nausea
- Abdominal Pain
- Flatulence
- Dyspepsia
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Salivary
Gland Conditions - Dry mouth
Psychiatric Disorders
- Sleep Disorder
- Insomnia
- Abnormal dreams
- Sleep disorder
- Nightmares
Nervous System Disorders
- Headache
- Neurological Disorders
- Dysgeusia
- Somnolence
- Lethargy and fatigue
Whilst Chantix is a well tolerated medication, it is not available for everyone. If any of the following apply to you, you should not take Chantix:
- Psychiatric problems
- Epilepsy
- Smokers with irritable bowel or other gastrointestinal (GI) problems
- Those exposed to chemotherapy
- Pregnant and nursing women
If you have kidney disorders, your doctor may lower the dosage to avoid Chantix varenicline side effects
How to avoid Chantix side effects?
If you find yourself experiencing any side effects of Chantix, there are a number of things you can do to help reduce their severity:- If you miss a dose, do not take 2 tablets to make up for it. Skip the missed dose and move on
- Exercising can help you feel less fatigued and take your mind away from smoking
- Drink plenty of water, whilst taking the tablets and throughout the day As with all prescription medications, side effects may occur and these will be very different for each individual. You should not let the possible unwanted effects of Chantix deter you from using this treatment. The risks of smoking far outweigh the risks of side effects from Chantix.
