Varenicline Tartrate
Varenicline Tartrate
Varenicline tartrate is an FDA-approved medication that helps in smoking cessation. However, this medicine should be used in combination with education and counseling to help people quit smoking. Varenicline is specially formulated to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms that happen when people decide to stop smoking. Since it is a prescription drug, Varenicline tablets are only available with a medical professional’s label. Therefore, patients are advised not to share their medication with other individuals even if they want to stop smoking. Doing so can cause several complications as not every patient has the same medical needs.
Product Overview
Varenicline tartrate is a prescription medication specifically designed to help individuals quit smoking. It contains the active ingredient Varenicline, a nicotinic receptor partial agonist, which is effective in suppressing cravings & withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. FDA-approved Varenicline tartrate has been clinically proven to assist in long-term abstinence from smoking by making the act of smoking less pleasurable.
Available in tablet form, Varenicline tartrate comes in strengths of 0.5 mg and 1 mg. It is typically taken once or twice a day, with or without a meal, as directed by a healthcare provider. The medication is intended for use by adults who are motivated to quit smoking. It works by partially activating nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing cravings, and simultaneously blocking nicotine’s effects, making smoking less rewarding.
Common side effects include nausea, headache, and vivid dreams. Users are advised to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions closely. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, but not if it’s close to the next scheduled dose. In case of an overdose, get medical attention immediately. Precautions include informing your doctor of any medical conditions, especially mental health issues, before starting the medication. You can store the medication at a controlled room temperature, away from moisture & heat, and keep it out of reach of children.
What Are the Uses of Varenicline Tartrate?
This medication has the following uses:
- Helps in Smoking Cessation: Varenicline helps people quit smoking by minimizing the cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Blocks Nicotine Receptors: The medicine blocks nicotine effects on the brain, making smoking less pleasurable.
- Reduces Relapse: It helps reduce the risk of relapse in individuals who have already quit smoking.
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Varenicline Tartrate?
It is available in the form of an oral tablet with the following strengths:
- 0.5 mg, and
- 1 mg
What Are the Recommended Dosage of Varenicline Tartrate?
The dosage recommendations for Varenicline tartrate depend on several factors, including the type and severity of your medical condition and the form of medication you take. Generally, medical professionals prescribe a starting dose and gradually adjust the drug doses as needed. It is important to note that the dosage recommendations below are only for the average dose. So, if you have been prescribed a different dose, do not change it without consulting your medical practitioner.
Dosage for Adults
- Select a date when you want to quit smoking & start taking Varenicline one week before the selected date.
- You can also begin the treatment and then quit smoking within 8 to 35 days of the treatment.
- Usually, the starting dose of Varenicline is 1 mg twice daily, followed by a 1-week titration as follows:
- On Days 1 to 3: Take a 0.5 mg tablet once daily.
- On Days 4 to 7: 0.5 mg twice a day.
- On Day 8 till the completion of the treatment: 1 mg twice a day.
- If you are successful in quitting smoking after 12 weeks, continue taking 1 mg tablets for another 12 weeks every 12 hours.
- Keep taking Varenicline for another 12 weeks, making it a total of 24 weeks of treatment.
Dosage for Patients with Renal Impairment
- Mild to Moderate Kidney Problems: No need to change the dosing schedule.
- Severe Kidney Problems: Start by taking 0.5 mg once daily. If needed, increase the dosage to 0.5 mg twice daily.
- End-stage Kidney Disease on Dialysis: Do not take more than 0.5 mg once a day.
[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How to Use Varenicline Tartrate?
- Before you start taking this medicine, make sure to read the medication guide or PIL (patient information leaflet) provided by your healthcare practitioner. This will give you detailed insight into administration steps. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
- Follow the dosing recommendations that are mentioned on your prescription label.
- Do not exceed or subceed the doses and the duration of the treatment.
- Take the medicine one week before quitting and start on a low dose, gradually increasing the dose to 1 mg twice daily after eight days.
- You can take the medicine with food or immediately after your meal, with a full glass of water. Doing so will reduce potential nausea from the medications.
- Since Varenicline does not contain nicotine, it works differently than nicotine replacement medications.
- Besides the above ways, there are three more ways to take your medicine, and these are:
- Choose the date from which you will stop smoking and start taking the medicine one week before that date. Take it for 12 weeks. Then, your doctor will decide if you should continue the treatment for another 12 weeks.
- You can take the medicine for at least eight days before choosing a quit date. Continue taking Varenicline for a total of 12 weeks. If you stop smoking during this time, your doctor might recommend taking Varenicline for another 12 weeks.
- Lastly, if you are unable to quit smoking, you can take the medicine and cut down on your smoking consumption during the first 12 weeks of the treatment.
- Swallow the tablets as a whole.
- Avoid chewing, crushing, splitting, or breaking the tablets. Doing so may release the drug at once.
- If you are unable to swallow the medicine, consult your healthcare practitioner. They will suggest alternate options that suit your body’s needs.
- Do not abruptly stop taking your medication without consulting a medical provider. This may cause serious complications in the future. So, complete your course of treatment till the days your doctor has advised.
- Use the strength of medication that has been prescribed to you by your healthcare provider. Avoid switching brands without consulting a medical expert.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Varenicline Tartrate Work?
Varenicline tartrate works by targeting nicotine receptors in the brain. It partially activates these receptors, which aids in suppressing cravings & withdrawal symptoms when a person decides to quit smoking. At the same time, it blocks nicotine from fully activating these receptors, diminishing the pleasurable effects of smoking. This dual action makes smoking less rewarding and helps individuals resist the urge to smoke. By reducing both the desire to smoke and the satisfaction gained from smoking, Varenicline tartrate effectively supports individuals in their efforts to quit smoking and maintain long-term abstinence.
Important Safety Information for Using Varenicline Tartrate
What Are the Side Effects of Varenicline Tartrate?
Common Side Effects of Varenicline Tartrate: This medication can cause various side effects. Although these reactions are generally common and stay for a few days to weeks, you should not overlook them. If the following side effects do not go away or stay longer than the mentioned time period, reach out to a medical professional right away. Common side effects of Varenicline tartrate may include:
- Constipation
- Gas
- Vomiting
- Sleep problems
- Strange dreams
- Symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, such as
- An urge to smoke
- Depression
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability
- Frustration
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anger
- Restlessness
- Reduced heart rate
- Feeling hungry
- Weight gain
Serious Side Effects of Varenicline Tartrate: Other than the above side effects, the medicine can result in various adverse reactions that can cause fatal situations. If you notice any unusual signs that seem concerning, talk to a healthcare provider. Serious side effects of Varenicline tartrate may include:
- Mental health problems. Its symptoms are:
- Behavioral changes
- Agitation
- Depressed mood
- Suicidal thoughts
- Hostility
- Seizures
- Cardiovascular problems. Its signs are:
- Chest discomfort
- Pain in one/both arms, back, jaw, neck, or stomach
- Breath shortness
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sleepwalking
- Allergic reactions. Its symptoms include:
- Racing heart
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Throat tightness
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
- Serious skin reactions. Its signs are:
- Rash
- Swelling on the face, mouth, throat, or neck
- Redness
- Peeling of the skin
- Trouble breathing
- Mouth blisters
- Red or watery eyes
- Angioedema
[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Varenicline Tartrate?
Varenicline tartrate can cause severe side effects in certain patients, or it may not be an ideal treatment option for specific populations due to their medical conditions. So, if you are using this medication, you should remain cautious as it has several warnings, which are as follows:
- Angioedema and Hypersensitivity Reactions: Patients taking this medication have reported hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema. In this condition, patients can experience swelling on the face, mouth, neck, throat, or tongue. There have been infrequent reports of fatal angioedema that required medical attention due to respiratory compromise. If you notice such symptoms, discontinue using Varenicline.
- Severe Skin Reactions: While rare, some patients have also reported serious skin reactions, including Steven-Johnson Syndrome and erythema multiforme. These reactions can be life-threatening, so patients are advised to avoid taking this medication. Moreover, if you observe a skin rash with mucosal lesions, reach out to a medical professional.
- Accidental Injury: Varenicline tartrate may cause dizziness, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, and loss of consciousness. There have also been reported cases of traffic accidents or accidental injuries in patients taking the medicine. Therefore, you should avoid driving or operating any heavy machinery until you know how Varenicline may affect you.
- Cardiovascular Risk: Patients with underlying cardiovascular disease taking Varenicline have a high risk of heart problems. A study with 700 people showed that those taking this medicine may experience nonfatal heart attacks, needing heart surgery, chest pain, and other blood vessel problems.
What Are the FDA Boxed Warning for Varenicline Tartrate?
Boxed warnings, also called black-boxed warnings, are among the most stringent guidelines issued by the FDA. These warnings alert doctors and patients about the harmful effects of a particular drug, which can be life-threatening if overlooked. Varenicline tartrate has the following boxed warning. If you have any concerns or notice any unwanted symptoms, it’s best to consult with an expert.
- Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: People taking Varenicline have experienced severe mental health symptoms. Some of these symptoms are due to nicotine withdrawal; however, it is not necessary; people who are still smoking can notice such symptoms. So, patients should watch out for:
- Changes in their behavior
- Depression
- Agitation
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
Many people taking this medication have reported the above symptoms and exacerbation of their existing mental health conditions. Moreover, it is important to note that patients with serious mental health problems, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression, were not included in the initial studies of Varenicline. Therefore, its safety and effectiveness on these patients are unknown. Lastly, if you are taking this medication, you should be aware of these symptoms and report them to a medical practitioner right away.
What Are the Varenicline Tartrate Precautions?
When considering treatment with Varenicline tartrate, patients should discuss every risk and benefit with their medical practitioner. Here are some of the precautions that you can take before using Varenicline tartrate:
- Before starting this medicine, tell your doctor about your allergies or if you are allergic to chantix, tyrvaya, varenicline, or any of the ingredients present in the medication’s formulation. The product may contain certain inactive components that can cause severe allergic reactions.
- Avoid taking this medication unless it has been prescribed to you by a medical expert.
- When considering treatment with Varenicline, you should be aware of the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. This includes:
- Anxiety and depression
- Restlessness and trouble sleeping
- Irritability, frustration, or anger
- Craving to smoke
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased appetite and weight gain
- Decreased heart rate
- Before considering treatment with this medicine, inform your healthcare provider about your or your family’s medical history, especially of:
- Seizures
- Heart or blood vessel problems
- Kidney problems
- If you are undergoing surgery or any medical procedure, tell your surgeon or medical expert about the products you use. This include all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or any herbal products.
- Varenicline tartrate may cause CNS depression. So, use the medicine cautiously when performing any tasks that require mental alertness.
- If you are using any nicotine patches to help quit smoking, tell your healthcare professional, as using this patch can increase the risk of the following side effects:
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Tiredness
- Patients have reported cases of sleepwalking during their treatment with Varenicline. Some of these cases even involve harmful behavior towards themselves or others. If you are experiencing sleepwalking, stop taking your medication and inform a medical practitioner.
- It is unknown whether this medicine affects pregnancy or harms the developing baby. So, talk to your healthcare practitioner and discuss every risk and benefit associated with it. They will advise you if the medicine is safe for the baby or not.
- Similarly, it is unknown if Varenicline passes into the breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, consult a medical provider about the safety and effectiveness of the drug. Additionally, watch out for symptoms of a seizure in your baby or if they are having any feeding problems, like spitting up more than usual.
What Are the Contraindications of Varenicline Tartrate?
It is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity reactions to Varenicline or any ingredients present in the formulation of medication.
What If You Missed a Dose of Varenicline Tartrate?
Generally, it is advisable not to miss any doses of Varenicline tartrate, but if someone forgets, they should:
- Take the tablets as soon as possible or whenever they remember.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, omit the missed dose & follow the regular dosing schedule as a medical professional instructed.
- Remember not to take double doses of the prescribed medication just for the sake of making up for the missed dose. This may cause adverse side effects.
- Use medication apps or set reminders on your mobile phone to avoid skipping any doses.
- Take each dose at the same time every day to get the most benefit out of it.
- If patients are still unsure about the missed doses, talk to an expert physician. They will guide each patient and suggest alternate options suiting their body needs.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much of Varenicline Tartrate?
While patients are educated enough to know the complications of overdose, there are times when they mistakenly take an excessive amount of Varenicline tartrate tablets. In such cases, patients are advised not to panic and instead look for unusual signs, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Unusual dreams
In more serious cases, you can experience neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as aggression, mood changes, agitation, or even suicidal thoughts. If such symptoms appear, visit the nearest clinic or get medical assistance immediately by calling 911.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How to Store a Varenicline Tartrate?
- Store the medicine at a temperature of 20°C to 25°C or 68°F to 77°F.
- Keep your medicines somewhere safe with safety locks to avoid poisoning your child. Many products on the market do not come in child-resistant packaging.
- Store the tablets in a locked container, away from the reach and sight of children and pets.
- Do not keep them in moist or damp places like the bathroom or near the sink.
- Do not flush the medication down the toilet.
- Discard the product when not in use.
- Protect them from moisture and direct sunlight.
- Store the tables in a dry place.
- Do not use a medication if its expiration date has passed. The expiration date is the last day of the month mentioned on the back of the prescription label or carton.
- You should dispose of the medications in such a way that children and animals cannot consume them, as it may cause accidental overdose and death if someone else consumes them.
- Ask a medical professional how to dispose of the medicine properly without damaging the environment.
- The best way to eliminate unwanted medications is to give them in the medicine take-back program.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Medications Interact with Varenicline Tartrate?
Drug interactions occur when one or more medications are taken simultaneously. These interactions can either raise the risk of developing side effects in certain patients or affect the functioning of one of the drugs. Either way, it results in adverse reactions. Therefore, patients need to be aware of the drugs that may interact with Varenicline tartrate. Below are some of the drugs that can interact with Varenicline tartrate:
- Cimetidine
- Dalfampridine
- Dolutegravir
- Ethanol
- Lamotrigine
- Nicotine
- Ranolazine
- Vandetanib
What Are the Other Varenicline Tartrate Interactions?
Other than the above drugs, this medication has some disease interactions, too:
- Neuropsychiatric events
- Alcoholism
- CV disease
- Renal impairment
- Seizures
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Varenicline Tartrate. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Varenicline Tartrate Alternatives?
People usually take alternative drugs for many reasons. In some cases, the prescribed medication may not be an ideal option for them due to their medical conditions. On the other hand, they may not achieve the results they are aiming for. Therefore, you should talk to a medical professional before you start a particular treatment or if you want to change your medication. They may help you decide which medication is best suited for you. Some of the alternatives to Varenicline tartrate are as follows:
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Varenicline Tartrate Cost & Coupons
It is important to note that Varenicline tartrate costs are not the same everywhere. The actual price of these tablets depends on several factors, including your insurance plan, location, and the pharmacies you use. Varenicline tartrate, with its anti-smoking qualities, can be expensive for certain patients. Here, insurance coverage plays a significant role. You can buy your medication at affordable rates with an insurance coverage plan. However, not all drugs/medications are covered under the insurance plan. If you are residing in America and searching for affordable pharmacies to manage your medication’s cost, reach out to Polar Bear Meds. Here, you can buy Varenicline tartrate online from Canada in the USA at discounted rates. Moreover, first-time buyers can use the Varenicline tartrate coupon code WELCOMEPB10 to receive a 10% discount on their first order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to take Varenicline tartrate?
Varenicline tartrate is generally considered safe when prescribed by a medical professional. However, the medicine can cause some side effects, such as nausea, insomnia, or changes in mood. Therefore, it is essential to discuss any underlying conditions or other medications with your doctor to ensure the medicine is appropriate for you.
Is Varenicline tartrate an anti-depressant medication?
No, Varenicline tartrate is not categorized as an anti-depressant. It is a smoking cessation medication designed to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. While it affects certain brain receptors, it is primarily used to aid in smoking cessation, not to treat depression.
What happens when you stop taking Varenicline tartrate?
Patients are generally advised not to abruptly stop taking their medication as it can result in the return of nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. So, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice to taper off the medication to reduce such effects.
Is Varenicline tartrate an addictive medication?
Varenicline tartrate is not considered addictive. It does not have the same effects or produce addictive dependence on nicotine or other substances. However, it does not mean you overlook the importance of an expert’s advice. Take the doses as directed by your doctor to achieve the best results.
Does Varenicline tartrate cause weight gain?
Varenicline tartrate itself does not directly cause weight gain. However, some individuals may gain weight after quitting smoking due to metabolic changes and eating habits. So, maintain a balanced diet and exercise while quitting smoking to manage any potential weight changes.
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