Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant used for the management of major depression and seasonal affective disorder and Chantix (varenicline) is used for cessation of smoking. The Zyban brand of bupropion is used similarly to Chantix to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects.
What was Chantix originally used for?
Varenicline tartrate was originally developed as a smoking cessation agent by Pfizer in 1997 based on the molecular structure of cytisine (Figure 2).
Does Chantix help with anxiety?
In a Pfizer-sponsored clinical trial to assess the effect of varenicline (Chantix®) on smoking cessation, as well as mood and anxiety levels in smokers with current or a history of depression, researchers concluded that the drug does help some of these patients to quit smoking without worsening symptoms of depression …
Is Chantix the same as Wellbutrin?
Chantix is a slightly newer medication. It was approved in 2006 by the FDA. Unlike bupropion, which is also used to treat depression, varenicline, the active ingredient in Chantix, is designed only for use as a smoking cessation treatment.
What does Chantix do to your body?
Chantix works by delivering a one-two punch to smoking: It blocks nicotine from reaching receptors in the brain, which breaks the pleasure cycle of habitual smoking, and prevents cravings by releasing small amounts of dopamine.
Which is better Zyban or Chantix?
In clinical trials of Chantix, the drug was found to reduce the urge to smoke, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and help patients maintain abstinence. One study compared Chantix to Zyban to placebo. The study found that both drugs were better than placebo, and concluded that Chantix was more effective than Zyban.
Does Chantix change your personality?
CHANTIX: Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking CHANTIX, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping CHANTIX.
Does Chantix cause you to gain weight?
These may include: urge to smoke, depressed mood, trouble sleeping, irritability, frustration, anger, feeling anxious, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, decreased heart rate, increased appetite, and weight gain. Some people have even experienced suicidal thoughts when trying to quit smoking without medication.
What happens if you continue to smoke while on Chantix?
Chantix mimics a low dose of nicotine, which eases the symptoms that are common when going through withdrawal. It also blocks nicotine from binding to receptors, essentially rendering it ineffective. If a person smokes while taking Chantix, they do not get the normal nicotine boost and smoking actually becomes bland.
Does Chantix affect your mood?
Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking CHANTIX, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping CHANTIX.
What is better to quit smoking Chantix or Wellbutrin?
Is Wellbutrin or Chantix better? Both drugs are effective in helping patients stop smoking. If you want to use nicotine replacement therapy in addition to prescription medication, Wellbutrin would be a better choice since it can be taken along with NRT, and Chantix should not be taken along with NRT.
Is Chantix really that bad?
Chantix has an average rating of 8.6 out of 10 from a total of 1023 ratings for the treatment of Smoking Cessation. 84% of those users who reviewed Chantix reported a positive effect, while 9% reported a negative effect.
What works better than Chantix?
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant used for the management of major depression and seasonal affective disorder and Chantix (varenicline) is used for cessation of smoking. The Zyban brand of bupropion is used similarly to Chantix to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects.
Can the lungs heal after quitting smoking?
After quitting smoking, your lungs begin to slowly heal and regenerate. The speed at which they heal all depends on how long you smoked and how much damage is present.
How long can you safely take Chantix?
You should take CHANTIX for the full 12 or 24 weeks (3 or 6 months), depending on the quit approach you and your healthcare provider decide is right for you.
Who should not take Chantix?
Do not take CHANTIX if you have had a serious allergic or skin reaction to CHANTIX. Symptoms may include: Swelling of the face, mouth (tongue, lips, gums), throat, or neck. Trouble breathing.