Varenicline

Patients who are struggling to quit smoking might use Varenicline. This medication changes brain chemistry so that patients no longer get a pleasurable reaction from using nicotine. The medication is taken orally once or twice a day. You can either start taking it a week before quitting smoking or quit smoking after you begin taking it. Varenicline is usually used in conjunction with therapy and other psychological treatment to help patients quit smoking.

Side Effects/Warnings

Some patients may experience mood swings and other psychiatric symptoms while on this medication. The medication can cause hostility, depression and suicidal thoughts and feelings. Patients on this medication should be monitored carefully so that they can receive emergency treatment in the event they become suicidal or try to harm themselves.

Patients who have a mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder should not take this medication; its effects on people with pre-existing psychiatric conditions are unknown.