The clinical research and scientific evidence is frighteningly clear; cigarette smoking is the most preventable cause of all deaths, but yet millions of people continue to smoke every day, unable to break free from their powerful addiction to nicotine. In fact, it’s estimated that as many as one out of every five women, and one in every four men in the United States alone are still smoking cigarettes today, despite the innumerable health warnings, so it’s no wonder that as a society we’re continually trying to find an effective way of battling nicotine addiction.

Chantix, a prescription drug deemed as the new stop smoking pill, is one of these such ways that has recently given the medical community a ray of hope. The drug, whose main ingredient is varenicline tartrate, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May of 2006 and works by blocking receptors within the brain. Studies suggest that as many as 22% of people were able to stop smoking while taking Chantix, meaning 22 out of every 100 smokers were successfully able to improve their health, and overcome their addiction to cigarettes.

Side Effects of Chantix

Although highly unlikely, there is a slight chance of an allergic reaction when taking varenicline tartrate that includes symptoms such as swelling of the face, tongue, lips, and throat, hives, and difficulty breathing.

Here are some of the more common side effects associated with Chantix:

- Persistent nausea

- Weakness, tiredness

- Increase in appetite

- Trouble sleeping, including insomnia, and or changes in dreaming

- Headaches

Ending Your Smoking Habit with Chantix

Simply taking a pill, regardless of how effective it may be, and sitting back waiting for a miracle to happen is not only foolish, but it will also more than likely affect the drug’s efficacy. Much like any medication, there must be some effort put forth to see the absolute best results.

If you’re planning on taking the new stop smoking pill, or any other type of method, to end your smoking habit once and for all, here are three things you will need to do to increase your chances of success.

- Preparing to stop: Preparing your surroundings, as well as getting yourself in the right mindset to end your smoking habit are imperative if you want to successfully be a non-smoker. Get rid of every ashtray, lighter, and pack of matches in your house, and then buy a few new air fresheners to help sweeten your new smoke-free environment.

- Your “quit” day: Designating a certain day as your “quit day” will help to reinforce and solidify your intentions of stopping smoking. If possible, find a buddy who is also going to stop smoking and let everyone know of your plans and ask for their support.

- Controlling cravings: Remembering that cravings are merely a temporary occurrence and they will pass, although at the time it may not seem like they ever will. Set an egg timer if you have to, and wait just 10 minutes before succumbing to the urge to smoke, while drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum in the meantime. Keeping your hands and mouth busy to combat the effects of the psychological withdrawal symptoms you may be experiencing from the lack of nicotine are important during this critical time of maintenance.

5 Important Facts to Know About Chantix, the New Stop Smoking Pill

- Other drugs such as blood thinners and insulin may interact with or adversely affect Chantix.

- Those with kidney problems should not take Chantix.

- Pregnant or nursing women should not take Chantix as it may be passed through breast milk, and any potential side effects to fetuses are not yet known.

- Chantix should always be taken as prescribed by a physician and following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

- Chantix is not addictive and does not contain nicotine.

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