Varenicline
"A highly effective, 12-week course to help you quit smoking. It blocks nicotine's pleasurable effects within your body. Prescription-only."
What is varenicline?
Varenicline is a prescription-only medication that helps you quit smoking. Varenicline 0.5mg and varenicline 1mg tablets work like Champix. However, while Champix was withdrawn due to impurities, we can prescribe varenicline that meets all UK safety standards and is approved to take.
How does it work?
Although varenicline smoking cessation tablets are nicotine-free, they target brain receptors that respond to nicotine. This reduces smoking's pleasurable and rewarding effects while easing any withdrawal symptoms and cravings, helping you resist the urge to smoke.
The benefits of varenicline:
- An easy-to-follow treatment plan which it makes it more likely you’ll continue to follow it
- Reduces smoking's pleasurable effects
- Supports you as you stop smoking gradually
- Higher success rates than alternatives
- An effective option if other methods and treatments have proved unsuccessful
Potential drawbacks of varenicline:
- Common side effects include nausea and constipation
- You have to take the tablets at around the same time each day
- It’s a prescription-only medication
- 12-week course of treatment. Perhaps longer than some people might expect to stop smoking
- Initial cost, although the price of continuing to smoke is much greater.
How to use varenicline
First, set a quit date to stop smoking, then start taking your varenicline tablets 1-2 weeks before that date. While you can continue smoking during this first week of treatment, you should aim to stop on the date you’ve chosen to quit.
Your treatment starts with:
- One 0.5mg tablet daily for 3 days
- One 0.5mg tablet twice daily for 4 days
- Then increase to 1mg twice daily (either two 0.5mg tablets or one 1mg tablet)
You should take varenicline exactly as instructed on the pack and note the dose change after three days. Please read your prescription and treatment information carefully too.
While the recommended course of varenicline tablets is 12 weeks (about 3 months), you should ask for a starter pack during your online consultation. If the medication is right for you, you can order more packs in future through your Patient Record.
Treatment results
Varenicline tablets typically start working after about a week to reduce cigarette cravings. You should continue treatment even if you don’t notice a change within the first few weeks.
Clinical studies show higher quit rates with varenicline compared to other treatments. 45.5% of those taking varenicline quit successfully, while 33% using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) managed to stop.
Side effects of varenicline
As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when taking varenicline smoking cessation tablets, especially when you first begin treatment. You may decide that any temporary discomfort is far outweighed by the long-term health benefits of quitting smoking.
Common side effects can include:
- Changes in appetite
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pains
- Dry mouth
- Sleep problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling tired
- Dizziness
- Skin reactions
- Headaches
In rare but serious cases, some people may experience convulsions, suicidal thoughts, or heart attack symptoms. Stroke symptoms are also possible but very rare. If you notice any of these effects, seek immediate medical attention.
For full details of side effects, see the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s website. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Product features
Will increase your chance of stopping smoking significantly
Relieves cravings and withdrawal symptoms
A nicotine-free treatment
What is varenicline?
Varenicline is a prescription-only medication that helps you quit smoking. Varenicline 0.5mg and varenicline 1mg tablets work like Champix. However, while Champix was withdrawn due to impurities, we can prescribe varenicline that meets all UK safety standards and is approved to take.
How does it work?
Although varenicline smoking cessation tablets are nicotine-free, they target brain receptors that respond to nicotine. This reduces smoking's pleasurable and rewarding effects while easing any withdrawal symptoms and cravings, helping you resist the urge to smoke.
The benefits of varenicline:
- An easy-to-follow treatment plan which it makes it more likely you’ll continue to follow it
- Reduces smoking's pleasurable effects
- Supports you as you stop smoking gradually
- Higher success rates than alternatives
- An effective option if other methods and treatments have proved unsuccessful
Potential drawbacks of varenicline:
- Common side effects include nausea and constipation
- You have to take the tablets at around the same time each day
- It’s a prescription-only medication
- 12-week course of treatment. Perhaps longer than some people might expect to stop smoking
- Initial cost, although the price of continuing to smoke is much greater.
How to use varenicline
First, set a quit date to stop smoking, then start taking your varenicline tablets 1-2 weeks before that date. While you can continue smoking during this first week of treatment, you should aim to stop on the date you’ve chosen to quit.
Your treatment starts with:
- One 0.5mg tablet daily for 3 days
- One 0.5mg tablet twice daily for 4 days
- Then increase to 1mg twice daily (either two 0.5mg tablets or one 1mg tablet)
You should take varenicline exactly as instructed on the pack and note the dose change after three days. Please read your prescription and treatment information carefully too.
While the recommended course of varenicline tablets is 12 weeks (about 3 months), you should ask for a starter pack during your online consultation. If the medication is right for you, you can order more packs in future through your Patient Record.
Treatment results
Varenicline tablets typically start working after about a week to reduce cigarette cravings. You should continue treatment even if you don’t notice a change within the first few weeks.
Clinical studies show higher quit rates with varenicline compared to other treatments. 45.5% of those taking varenicline quit successfully, while 33% using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) managed to stop.
Side effects of varenicline
As with all medications, some people may experience side effects when taking varenicline smoking cessation tablets, especially when you first begin treatment. You may decide that any temporary discomfort is far outweighed by the long-term health benefits of quitting smoking.
Common side effects can include:
- Changes in appetite
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pains
- Dry mouth
- Sleep problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling tired
- Dizziness
- Skin reactions
- Headaches
In rare but serious cases, some people may experience convulsions, suicidal thoughts, or heart attack symptoms. Stroke symptoms are also possible but very rare. If you notice any of these effects, seek immediate medical attention.
For full details of side effects, see the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s website. And if you’re worried about side effects, you can contact us in your Patient Record.
Select a medication and complete our simple, confidential online consultation
A clinician will review your answers and, if suitable, prescribe treatment
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Varenicline FAQs
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How long does varenicline take to work?
For most people, varenicline tablets start working after about a week to reduce cravings. However, if you don't notice the effects of the treatment in the first few weeks, you should persevere and continue to take it.
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How long should I take varenicline for?
The usual course of varenicline treatment lasts about 12 weeks (about 3 months), though it can be extended if needed.
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Who can take varenicline?
To take varenicline tablets, you must be over 18 years old. Before starting treatment, you need to tell your clinician if you have:
- Kidney, heart, or mental health conditions
- A history of seizures
If so, you may be prescribed a different treatment.
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What happens if I smoke while taking varenicline?
During your first 1-2 weeks of treatment, it’s possible to continue smoking until your set 'quit date'. However, while smoking isn't dangerous when taking varenicline tablets, it will reduce your chances of quitting successfully.
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Can I take varenicline while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Varenicline tablets aren’t suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your clinician can recommend safer alternatives.
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Can I drink alcohol while taking varenicline?
It’s recommended that if you drink at all when taking varenicline, you do so in moderation. That’s because the treatment can cause:
- Increased drunkenness intoxication
- Out of character or even aggressive behaviour
- Loss of memory while you’re drunk
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Where can I buy varenicline?
You can’t buy varenicline tablets over the counter at a pharmacy. You’ll need a prescription to buy them, even if you’re using an online service.
One of our clinicians can prescribe this medication after an online consultation where we make sure they’re right for you. It only takes a few minutes.
Once approved, you can pay for your prescription online for discreet home delivery or to pick up from any Well Pharmacy.
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Alternative varenicline stop smoking treatments
Other options for stopping smoking include Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and cytisine tablets. Quitting 'cold turkey' works for some people, while others find success with hypnotherapy or counselling.
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