Varenicline (Chantix®)
Varenicline (brand name Chantix®) is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication to help you quit. Learn more and find out if it's right for you.
What varenicline is
Varenicline is a prescription quit smoking medication that does not contain nicotine. It is currently available as a generic medication only, although it used to be available as the brand-name version Chantix®. It is available in tablets. Be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions to use the medication correctly.
How varenicline works
- Varenicline does not contain nicotine. It works by making nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms less intense.
- Most people take varenicline for 12 weeks. Your healthcare provider might prescribe it for longer, if needed. It may be several weeks before you experience the positive effects of varenicline.
Where to get varenicline?
- You’ll need to get a prescription from your healthcare provider to use varenicline, whether or not it is covered by insurance.
- If you have insurance, most health plans offer quitting medication at no or very low cost to members. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to check on your benefits.
How to use varenicline
The following are general guidelines for using varenicline and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Varenicline is a prescription medication. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions and the package guidelines. For questions, consult your provider or pharmacist.
When you stop using tobacco, some medications may require dose adjustments. Before taking varenicline, tell your healthcare provider the name and dose of every medication and supplement you are taking.
- Talk with your healthcare provider about when you should cut back or stop smoking before you start taking varenicline.
- Follow the dosing schedule your healthcare provider prescribes. Most people are started on a lower dose at first to reduce the risk of certain side effects.
- Most people take varenicline for 12 weeks. Your healthcare provider might prescribe varenicline for longer, if needed.
- To reduce the chance of nausea, take varenicline with food and an 8-ounce glass of water after you eat.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed.
- Do not take a double dose of this medication without instructions from your healthcare provider.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you experience side effects that bother you or don’t go away.
- In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If someone who has overdosed has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Pros and cons of varenicline (Chantix®)
Pros
- Easy to use
- Comes in a pill
- Your chance of successful quitting with a single medicine is best with varenicline
- Generally well tolerated
- No known drug interactions
Cons
- Requires a prescription from a healthcare provider
- Side effects are common (nausea, abnormal dreams, sleep disturbances)
- It may cost more than other types of medications if you have to pay for it yourself
Potential side effects of varenicline and what to do about them
Nausea or vomiting
Take varenicline with food or a full glass of water. Follow the dosing schedule as prescribed by your healthcare provider. If nausea continues, talk to your healthcare provider.
Abnormal dreams
Talk to your healthcare provider.
Sleep disturbances or insomnia
Talk to your healthcare provider.
Constipation or gas
Talk to your healthcare provider about diet changes or over-the-counter medicines you can take.
Changes in your mood/behavior or serious psychiatric symptoms
Changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or attempts at suicide have occurred in people being treated with varenicline. If you are taking varenicline, you and your family need to watch for these symptoms as well as for any worsening of pre-existing psychiatric illnesses. The symptoms may be complicated by nicotine withdrawal in people who quit smoking. However, the symptoms also have occurred in people who continued to smoke while taking varenicline. If they occur, stop the medication and talk to your healthcare provider right away.
Precautions
If any of these apply to you, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider before starting to take varenicline.
- Severe kidney problems or if you are receiving kidney dialysis (dose may need to be lowered)
- Could be pregnant or are breastfeeding
- Less than 18 years old
Reviewed by Amanda Graham, PhD
Chief Health Officer, Truth Initiative
Updated February 19, 2026