Champix is a drug specially developed by the German pharmacological company Pfizer, which is intended to help smokers in the fight against nicotine addiction. In pharmacies, this medicine can be purchased in the form of coated tablets.
The Champix preparation, the instruction for which recommends it as a means intended for quitting smoking in adults, incorporates the active element varenicline. Auxiliary components in the core of the tablet are as follows: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous calcium hydrogen phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, colloidal silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate. The shell of the dosage form consists of titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol and various kinds of dyes.
The drug “Champix”, the instructions for which describe in detail its pharmacological properties, exhibits its anticotinic effect due to the main active ingredient. Numerous scientific studies have proved that the release of dopamine into the body and a feeling of pleasure from a cigarette arise as a result of the effects of nicotine on nicotinic receptors located in the central nervous system.
Vareniks produces an effect that is sufficient to alleviate the symptoms of quitting smoking and reduce cravings for cigarettes. This substance has antagonistic activity that prevents nicotine from contacting the central nervous system receptors. As a result, the patient does not have the usual pleasure of smoking cigarettes, and the symptoms of the craving for smoking are relieved. Varenix, entering the smoker's body, interacts with the same brain receptors as nicotine. At the same time, dopamine is released in smaller volumes. As a result, when using the drug, a certain feeling of pleasure is delivered, similar to the effect of nicotine on the body, and a person does not feel severe discomfort after refusing a cigarette. In addition, the drug blocks nicotine receptors for tobacco. This process dulls the pleasure of a smoked cigarette.
The drug "Champix", the instructions for which give a description of the method of its administration, is intended for internal use. A dose of one milligram of varenicline is recommended twice a day after a seven-day titration.
Usually the Champix drug, the course of treatment of which is prescribed by a specialist, is taken for twelve weeks. Before the start of the use of the medication, a certain date is assigned when there will be a complete rejection of nicotine. Usually it is in the range from the eighth to fourteenth day from the start of treatment. To achieve the most successful result, the patient must be prepared in psychological terms. He needs moral support and motivation. After successfully getting rid of nicotine addiction, a specialist can recommend a similar additional course of taking the medication.
Champix (the instruction warns of side effects that are possible during treatment) can cause transient headaches and nausea or vomiting. Sleep disturbances and insomnia are also likely. Patients who can hardly tolerate discomfort from negative side effects can take a reduced dose of the medication. Has the drug "Champix" contraindications. It is not prescribed to patients under the age of eighteen, pregnant and lactating women, as well as with increased sensitivity to varenicline or to any of the excipients.