Varenicline

Overview

Varenicline is a prescription medicine that can help reduce cravings for tobacco and control nicotine withdrawal symptoms. It also has effects on the brain that lessen the pleasurable feelings of smoking.

It takes days for varenicline to build up in the blood and start working. You typically start taking varenicline a week or two before you quit smoking.

Pros

Varenicline:

• Is a pill, so it can be easy to use.
• Can be used along with other stop-smoking aids.

Cons

Varenicline:

• Is available only by prescription.
• Must be taken twice a day.
• May cause upset stomach, vomiting, headache, a change in taste, trouble sleeping, and vivid or strange dreams.
• May cause changes in mood or behavior. If you have these, call your healthcare professional right away.