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Champix Information - Help to Quit Smoking |
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Quit Smoking with Champix
Champix – What is it?Champix is the trade name for the drug varenicline tartrate in the European region. It is sold under the trade name of Chantix in the US. The trade names are owned by Pfizer. The drug is available on a prescription basis only and generic forms of it are not available. It is available in three different forms, a 0.5 mg tab, a 1 mg tab and a continuing month PAK.The main purpose of Champix is to treat a smoking addiction and also to correct some of the problems that are caused due to smoking. However, being nonprescription, the drug is not sold easily and is available only with a medical program that is initiated by a licensed practitioner.
Champix – How does it work?The euphoria that is caused by nicotine in the human body is because it can trigger some reactions in particular locations of the body which are known as receptors. When nicotine triggers these receptors, it causes the feelings in the human body that are linked with the smoking addiction. These are the feelings that make the person smoke more and more. However, when the person is put on a program of Champix, the drug forms bonds with the nicotine receptors. Due to this, nicotine is no longer able to cause the euphoric feelings in the body, because the receptors do not respond to it.This effect is known as an antagonistic effect. This anti-smoking medication works by numbing the receptors so that the user does not feel the excitement of smoking anymore. Even if they smoke, the way Champix works on these nerve receptors (by benumbing them) ensures that the person does not get the fulfillment from smoking that they used to get earlier. There is another side to the story too. When Champix is used, the drug can create a similar effect that nicotine produces. Due to that, the person does not have the strong withdrawal that nicotine abstinence usually causes in an addict. When a person consumes nicotine, a neurotransmitter known as dopamine is released from the brain. It is this dopamine that causes the person to experience the pleasurable sensation that is associated with smoking. Champix acts in a similar fashion. It causes a slight release of dopamine in the body, which creates a similar pleasurable sensation as actual nicotine causes. Due to that reason, the person does not feel the craving for nicotine. Thus, Champix works for smoking cessation in the following two ways:-
Champix – What’s the Correct Dosage?Since Champix is a prescription drug, its correct dosage depends on the program that is set up by the health practitioner who administers the program. The dosage is different for different people depending on:-
Being a very strong medication, Champix is not prescribed in large doses at the very outset. The program begins slowly, with low dosages, and slowly works its way toward large doses. These dosages are monitored through a complete program and for the program to work it is important to stick to the correct dosage of Champix. At the same time, it is important that a dosage is never skipped. If the supply is getting exhausted, it is very important to refill it if the program is not yet over, or the effect of the drug will be undone. If a particular dose is missed due to some reason, it can be taken as soon as possible, if a lot of time for the dosage hasn’t yet elapsed. But if it has, and it is already nearing time for the next dose, then that one forgotten dose should be skipped. Champix is a strong drug; its dosage should never be doubled under any circumstances. Champix is to be taken with water. It must be had on a full stomach. The medication should never be had without prescription because every person’s dosage is different. Even if there is someone else in the house with a smoking problem, they should not have the medication without medical counseling.
Champix – What are the Side-Effects?Champix is known for a host of side-effects in the human body. These side-effects can be divided into those that need urgent attention and those that need attention if they become persistent.The side-effects of Champix that need urgent attention include the following:-
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