| Champix (Varenicline), manufacturer by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, is the first of a new breed of treatment devised to inhibit nicotine from entering the body as well as suppressing the withdrawal symptoms commonly suffered by smokers when giving up. It’s revolutionary as it actively prevents nicotine from reaching the brain, by blocking nicotine susceptive receptors which prevents the stimulating effect that nicotine can have on the body. As well as this action, Champix mimics this stimulating effect on the same receptors allowing for a significant reduction in cravings, making it far easier to give up.
As the first acetylcholine receptor partial agonist to be released onto the market, Champix has received a lot of praise and positive comment from the media. The majority of this coverage has been related to the greater success rates achieved with treatment, in comparison to the rates of existing methods including NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) and another prescription treatment, Zyban (Bupropion). This success rate, of 44%, is considerably higher than both of these treatments with Zyban coming in at 29% and NRT with a dismal 7%.
How does Champix Work?
Champix works within the brain of a patient to stimulate the exact same receptors which would usually be stimulated by nicotine. This effect makes it far easier for patients to give up their habit as the somewhat unbearable side effects are dramatically reduced as a result of the nicotine simulating effects of Champix. In addition to acting on these receptors, Champix also attaches its self to these receptors blocking them from outside substances including nicotine which is one of the reasons for the higher long term success rate offered by this treatment.
What are the side effects of Champix?
All prescription treatments carry the possibility of adverse effects and Champix is no exception to this. The most commonly experienced side effects during the treatments trial stages included insomnia, abnormal dreams, nausea as well as headaches. These side effects when reported were at worst mild and experienced by less that 3% of patients.
Champix vs Zyban:
Zyban (Bupropion), originally marketed as an anti-depressant, and manufactured by Anglo-American company GlaxoSmithKlien was first shown to posses anti-smoking benefits in the mid 90’s and was approved by for use as an anti-smoking aid in 1997. How this treatment works is not fully understood, although it is known that Zyban affects the intake of certain chemicals by neurotransmitters within the brain, helping to reduce both cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
However, the biggest draw back of this medication is some of the side effects to which its use has been associated. It was originally withdrawn from the market in its anti-depressant form, Wellbutrin, as it had been linked with severe side effects including drug induced seizures and depressing qualities.
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