Chantix (Varenicline) Starter Pack Directions
The Chantix starter pack should be taken as follows: 0.5 mg once daily on days 1-3, then 0.5 mg twice daily on days 4-7, followed by 1 mg twice daily for the remainder of the 12-week treatment period. 1
Detailed Dosing Instructions
Week 1 (Titration Period)
- Days 1-3: Take one white tablet (0.5 mg) once daily
- Days 4-7: Take one white tablet (0.5 mg) twice daily (morning and evening)
Weeks 2-12 (Maintenance Period)
- Take one blue tablet (1 mg) twice daily (morning and evening)
Administration Guidelines
- Begin taking Chantix 1 week before your planned quit date
- Alternatively, you may begin Chantix and then quit smoking between days 8 and 35 of treatment 1
- Take with a full glass of water
- May be taken with or without food (food may help reduce nausea) 2
- Take doses approximately 12 hours apart during maintenance phase
Special Dosing Considerations
- For patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min): Begin with 0.5 mg once daily and titrate to maximum of 0.5 mg twice daily 1
- For patients on hemodialysis: Maximum dose is 0.5 mg once daily 1
- For patients experiencing intolerable side effects: Dose reduction may be considered 1
Duration of Treatment
- Standard treatment course is 12 weeks
- An additional 12 weeks of treatment is recommended for successful quitters to increase likelihood of long-term abstinence 1
- For patients using a gradual approach to quitting: Reduce smoking by 50% from baseline within first 4 weeks, by another 50% in next 4 weeks, with complete abstinence by 12 weeks; continue treatment for additional 12 weeks (24 weeks total) 1
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (occurs in approximately 28-29% of patients) 3
- Insomnia (14%) 3
- Abnormal dreams (10-13%) 3
- Headache 4
Important Precautions
- Monitor for mood changes, agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts 3
- Use with caution in patients with history of seizures or brain metastases 5
- Nausea is common but typically diminishes over time; taking medication with food may help reduce this side effect 3, 4
Chantix is considered a first-line therapy for smoking cessation due to its superior efficacy compared to other options such as nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion 3, 6. For best results, combine medication with appropriate counseling and support for your quit attempt.