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Varenicline Tartrate

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Nicotinic receptor partial agonistAlso: varenicline, Varenicline✓ FDA-verified
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Varenicline Tartrate is a medication that helps people quit smoking by making it easier to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It works by partially stimulating the brain's nicotine receptors, which helps reduce the pleasure of smoking while also easing withdrawal. You start taking it as a tablet, beginning with 0.5 mg once daily for the first three days, then 0.5 mg twice daily for the next four days, and finally 1 mg twice daily for a total of 12 weeks. It's important to know that this medication should not be used by anyone who has had serious allergic reactions to it in the past. Additionally, if you are taking medications that affect your kidneys, like metformin, you should talk to your doctor about how varenicline may interact with them.

Uses

  • Aid to smoking cessation.

Dosage

Start taking varenicline one week before quitting smoking.
Take 0.5 mg once daily for the first 3 days.
Take 0.5 mg twice daily from days 4 to 7.
Take 1 mg twice daily from day 8 for a total of 12 weeks.
Consider an additional 12 weeks for those who quit successfully.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.

Side effects

Common

nauseaabnormal dreamsconstipationflatulencevomitingneuropsychiatric events

Serious

seizurescardiovascular eventsserious skin reactions
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Warnings

⚠ Important warnings

  • May cause neuropsychiatric events including suicidal thoughts.
  • Risk of seizures in some patients.
  • Increased effects of alcohol reported.
  • May cause serious skin reactions.
  • Use caution in patients with severe renal impairment.

Drug interactions

  • Bupropionsafety not established with combinationCaution
  • Transdermal nicotinehigher adverse reaction rates when combined.Caution

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).