Varenicline

Taking varenicline increases your chances of quitting smoking. It approximately doubles to triples the chances of giving up smoking long-term. It doesn't contain nicotine, which is important to some people.

In Aotearoa New Zealand varenicline is available as 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets.  

• You'll be started off on a low dose which will be increased slowly. This decreases the chance of you developing side effects such as nausea, and unusual dreams.
• Varenicline is usually started 1 to 2 weeks before your target quit date (the target quit date is the day you want to stop smoking).
• The total course is usually 12 weeks.

During the first week

• Take 0.5 mg once a day for 3 days.
• Then increase to 0.5 mg twice a day for 4 days.
• It is okay to smoke during this time. 

After the first week:

• Stop smoking on the quit date then take 1 mg twice a day for the rest of the 12 weeks.
• If you cannot tolerate this dose, your doctor may advise you to lower this to 0.5 mg twice a day.

• Timing:
  • If you're taking the tablets once a day, take your tablet either in the morning or the evening.
  • If you're taking your tablets twice a day, take 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet in the evening.
• Taking: Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. You can take them with or without food.
• Avoid alcohol: Limit alcohol intake while you're taking varenicline. Drinking alcohol while taking varenicline may increase the risk for mood changes, dizziness and drowsiness. 
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your tablet, take it as soon as you remember that day. But if it is nearly time for your next tablet, just take the next tablet at the right time. Do not take double the number of tablets.

Here are some things to know when you're taking varenicline. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Varenicline can interact with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting varenicline and before starting any new products.

Like all medicines, varenicline can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine.