Champix

Champix is the branded version of the smoking cessation treatment Varenicline. It works by making smoking feel less pleasurable, helping in quitting the habit for good. 0.5 mg and 1 mg Champix and generic Varenicline tablets are available from 121doc with a prescription.

Champix works by directly targeting nicotine receptors in the brain and stimulating them. It does this in two core ways:

• Reduces pleasure: It blocks nicotine from attaching to these receptors, making smoking less pleasurable and satisfying.
• Eases withdrawal: It releases a small, steady amount of dopamine, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings without the use of nicotine.

By easing cravings and making smoking less rewarding, Champix supports breaking the cycle of addiction and unlearning your smoking habit.

Smoking cessation treatments drastically increase your chances of quitting smoking, with Champix in particular clinically proven to help around 56% of patients quit after just 12 weeks according to one study.

And the success rate of Champix only improves over time. The same study also found that 71% of those who quit after 12 weeks had remained smoke-free after taking Champix tablets for a further 12 weeks, compared to only 50% of those taking a placebo.

Only people over the age of 18 can be prescribed Champix or generic Varenicline from 121doc. Do not take Champix if you are allergic to varenicline or any other ingredient in this medicine.

In addition to this, there are some circumstances where the use of Champix will need to be discussed with your doctor. To ensure safety, tell them if:

• you are prone to mental health challenges, such as depression or anxiety
• you have heart problems or severe liver impairment
• you experience seizures
• you have ever experienced severe skin reactions

Take your tablets whole with a glass of water. Here is the usual recommended dosage schedule:

Your dose schedule may look different to this. Always follow your doctor’s guidance when taking prescription medication.

If you forget to take a dose of Champix or the generic version Varenicline, it is important you don’t double your dosage. If it is within 4 hours of your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue on as normal. If there is over 4 hours until your next dose, take the forgotten one as soon as possible and your next one at the usual time.

Champix is prescribed for a 12-week course. If you feel it necessary, you may be prescribed an additional 12 weeks, but you can just continue with the maintenance dose of 1 mg taken twice daily. It is not recommended to take Champix for longer than 24 weeks.

Individual experiences differ after stopping Champix, so it’s difficult to predict how you will respond. You may have lost your smoking habit completely, or you may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, cravings, and sleep problems. For this reason, some doctors recommend coming off Champix slowly so that potential withdrawal symptoms are minimised. Talk to your doctor about a plan for stopping Champix so you can give yourself the best possible chance of quitting smoking for good.

Champix pills may produce some side effects, although not everyone will get them. The most common Champix side effects include:

• swelling of the nose, throat, or sinuses
• nausea
• chest infection
• weight gain or changes to appetite
• sleepiness or dizziness
• shortness of breath and cough
• heartburn or constipation
• diarrhoea or vomiting
• skin rash
• joint or muscle ache

This is not an exhaustive list. For a full list of Champix side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

While Champix was discontinued in 2021 due to a chemical impurity, Pfizer has since taken steps to meet regulatory requirements and the medicine is back on the market. In 2025, Champix was reintroduced with a new formula, offering an effective and safe way to help people quit smoking for good.

No, you should not take Champix while pregnant or breastfeeding, as there isn’t enough evidence to suggest safety. Champix may also pass into breastmilk, although this has not been studied extensively enough. Ask your doctor for a safer alternative to stop smoking when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Champix, but be aware of the potential side effects or implications. Firstly, some people have reported that Champix intensifies the effects of alcohol, although this has not been proven to be a direct result. Secondly, alcohol consumption can make you lose your inhibitions, which can inadvertently cause you to smoke. If you do drink on Champix, do so in moderation to see how the medicine affects you.

No, you cannot get Champix tablets without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc, and our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects