Varenicline increased the odds of successful long-term smoking cessation approximately threefold compared with pharmacologically unassisted quit attempts.Source. Wikipedia article.
In trials reported so far, more participants quit successfully with varenicline than with bupropion. The effectiveness of varenicline as an aid to relapse prevention has not been clearly established. The main adverse effect of varenciline is nausea, but this is mostly at mild to moderate levels and tends to reduce with habituation.
There is a need for independent trials of varenicline versus placebo, to test the early findings. There is also a need for direct comparisons with nicotine replacement therapy, and for further trials with bupropion, to establish the relative efficacy of the treatments.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
New studies boost varenicline for smoking cessation
The smoking cessation drug varenicline, recently introduced in the U.S. under the brand name Chantix (Pfizer), has fared well in early studies reviewed by the Cochrane Library this month. Cochrane's authors write:
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I just started the Chantix kit today (over $100 for 30 day supply and not covered by insurance/ADAP), it is kicking in and I feel like I just had my first or second cigarette ever (bit lightheaded, feels like my blood pressure is a bit higher and seems like my heart rate has increased slightly).
I worry that this drug may not help me because more than half of my habbit is taking a break from work and enjoying thoughtless smoking to escape reality (almost like a nail biters habbit I have, no thoughts envolved, I can turn off my brain while I smoke). Chantrix is targeted at blocking the receptors in the brain that derive enjoyment from nicotine, so if you do smoke it does absolutely nothing for your brain (kind of like what methadone does for heroine addicts).
I really want to quit now that my son (2.5 years old) will now say, "Daddy is out smoking" if I am out on the porch having a cigarette. Also my teeth are not doing so well and they are also yellowish. My fingers always reak of nicoteen and show a slight staining. Smoking is a filthy habbit and it kills people, I do not want to die of lung cancer!
Good luck with your quiting those addictive cigarettes (cancer sticks) that should be illegal this day and age. I have smoked since the age of 13 (now 34), my fingers are crossed...
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I have been taking these pills for a week now. My dreams are really absurd, that is if i have any. I have been experiancing insomnia and it is beginning to take its toll. By mid-afternoon i'm a little on edge and need to have a cup of coffee or some sugar to bring me round.
Although i was never a heavy smoker (10-15 on average a day for 15 years) these tablets are working quite well. I don't seem to have the same cravings and the smell of cigarettes makes me want to walk away from it as opposed to linger and breathe in that great 2nd hand smoke!
I am also reading Alan Carr's 'Easy Way' book too. Good to change the mental behaviour as well as the physical.
Next week i go on holiday for 2 weeks so i think i will stop taking these as research on the net has shown me that there is not a whole heap of difference between Champix, Patches, Gum and just willpower.
This is expensive placebo. And i need to sleep, its been almost a week!
They have slightly altered my mood which is good if you are unable to remove yourself from people or a workplace, and need to remain friends with your neighbour.
I do worry about the long term effects though.
Whatever you choose to assist in becoming a non-smoker, remember you were a non-smoker once, and you never chose to become a smoker for life. Stay firm!
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