Varenicline

Varenicline is a prescription medicine used to help you stop smoking. It is suitable for adults who are motivated to quit and need medical support to manage nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. When you stop smoking, your body may react with irritability, restlessness, low mood, sleep problems, or strong urges to smoke. Varenicline helps reduce these symptoms and also lowers the satisfaction you may feel if you smoke during treatment, making it easier for you to stay committed to quitting. It should be used along with medical guidance and regular follow-up from your doctor. Varenicline works by acting on specific receptors in your brain that are involved in nicotine dependence. It partially stimulates these receptors to reduce cravings and withdrawal discomfort, while also blocking nicotine from cigarettes so that smoking feels less rewarding. This supports your effort to quit smoking and helps prevent relapse. Because quitting smoking itself can affect your mood and behaviour, it is important to monitor how you feel during treatment and inform your doctor about any concerning changes. You should take Varenicline exactly as advised by your doctor. Treatment usually starts with a low dose that is gradually increased over the first week to allow your body to adjust and to reduce side effects like nausea. The medicine should be taken with water and can be taken with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day. Your doctor will usually advise a treatment duration of about 12 weeks, which may be extended if needed to help you remain smoke-free. Varenicline may cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Commonly reported side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, sleep problems, unusual dreams, constipation, diarrhoea, dry mouth, and tiredness. Some people may notice changes in mood, anxiety, or low mood while quitting smoking. If you experience severe side effects or any changes in mood or behaviour that worry you, contact your doctor immediately.