Varenicline

Overview

Varenicline is a prescription medication that can help reduce cravings for tobacco and control nicotine withdrawal symptoms. It also blocks nicotine receptors in your brain, which decreases the pleasurable effects of smoking.

It takes several days for varenicline to reach effective levels in the blood. You typically should start taking varenicline a week or two before you quit smoking.

Pros

Varenicline:

• Is a pill, so it's relatively easy to use
• Can be used in combination with other stop-smoking aids

Cons

Varenicline:

• Is available only by prescription
• Must be taken twice a day
• May cause nausea, insomnia, and vivid or strange dreams
• May cause changes in mood or behavior, which should immediately be reported to your doctor