Chantrix Overview - Finally A Cure for Smoking?

By Shabir

We all know that smoking is a bad habit. The tobacco in cigarettes contains nicotine, a drug that is addictive and very tough, but not impossible, to quit. In North America, more than 400,000 deaths result each year are from smoking-related illnesses. Smoking greatly amplifies your risks for lung cancer and many other forms of cancer.

After 50 solid years of research and a lot of agony for smokers and non smokers alike, there may finally be a weapon in the fight against smoking. Over the past year, a new drug has just been demonstrated to help smokers kick the habit. Called varenicline (Chantix), it could be a panacea for all smokers.

Varenicline is classified as a nicotine-receptor blocker. The drug has an affinity for the nicotine receptors in the brain and as a result decreases or stops the pleasant effects of nicotine derived from smoking. In addition, by binding to the nicotine receptors, the drug does induce a mild stimulation, thus decreasing the chances of developing withdrawal symptoms.

Unlike previous stop smoking aides Chantix appears to work differently. It is supposed to work directly on the nicotine receptors in the brain and help individuals overcome the nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is designed to act this way to prevent the pleasure derived from nicotine until the desire for it is eliminated.

Pfizer, the company who produced the drug, claims that unlike other stop smoking drugs, it is not a replacement for nicotine, nor is it an antidepressant like bupropion (Zyban).

Data from some of the clinical trials showed that Chantrix was very effective as an aid to stopping smoking and was much efficacious than Zyban. After 12 weeks, a significant number of smokers quit smoking. However, even anecdotal reports of the drugs efficacy are difficult to come by.

Like all drugs, Chantix does have a few side effects which include:

-   Nausea
-   Vomiting
-   Headache
-   Excessive gas
-   Difficulty sleeping
-   Bizarre dreams

Chantix is supposed to be taken twice a day for 12 weeks. The FDA has recommended that for those who quit smoking during the first 12 weeks, they undergo a second round of 12 week therapy to increase the chance of staying off cigarettes.

However, before one jumps on the bandwagon and develops Chantix mania, one should know more about the drug. Results show that only 50% of individuals stayed off cigarettes after a full 12 week course of therapy, and less than 25% were off cigarettes after one year.

The drug is only available with a prescription. Chantix is also not cheap. A month’s supply is about $170 and one has to take it for 3 months without any guarantee that it will work.

Bottom Line: Neither the tobacco industry nor the pharmaceutical industry has the consumers’ interest at heart. They are both in there to make the money. If something appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is too good to be true.

Nurses, speak to your patients about all options available to them in their efforts to quit smoking. It is the single best thing they can change about their lifestyle, as most of you know, to improve their health.

If you've had first hand experience using or treating your patients with Chantix, please respond in this thread. It would be helpful to others.