Varenicline – What it is for, Indications and Contraindications
Varenicline – What is it for, Indications and Contraindications. In addition, Varenicline is used as an adjunct to smoking cessation . Varenicline is a drug commonly used in the treatment to stop smoking as it acts on the brain , reducing the urge to smoke and the withdrawal symptoms . The use of varenicline tartrate was approved for this purpose by the FDA (the United States Food and Drug Administration) in 2006, and arrived in Brazil a year later. Since then, it has been considered the most effective drug among the first-line treatments for smoking cessation . so check it out Varenicline – What is it for, Indications and Contraindications.
Varenicline Indication: Varenicline is usuallyindicated for smokers who have already tried to quit with other drug treatments without success or who, at the first consultation, the doctor thinks they have the benefit profile of using this medication as their first choice. There are other drug options such as the antidepressant bupropion, as well as patches and gums that contain nicotine in the composition, the choice between one drug and another depends on the medical evaluation.
How Varenicline Works: Varenicline partially binds to the nicotine receptor, so it can both reduce the intensity of cravings for cigarettes and reduce symptoms related to withdrawal . Consequently, individuals can achieve andmaintain cigarette abstinence .
On the other hand, if even taking Varenicline the person does not resist and smokes a cigarette during treatment, the drug has the potential to remove the feeling of pleasure associated with smoking and this will help to prevent a vicious circle and strengthen the patient to achieve success in treatment, preventing him from feeling pleasure in possible escapes during anti- smoking treatment .
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How to Use Varenicline: Varenicline is introduced to patients gradually: first just a dose of 0.5 mg per day for three days. Then, the patient starts taking two doses of 0.5 mg at different times of the day for another four days, and finally starts consuming one 1 mg tablet at a time, until the end of the treatment. This reduces possible side effects and makes it easier for the patient to adhere to the treatment.
Varenicline Side Effects: The most common side effect of Varenicline is nausea (which occurs in 30% of patients), which is minimized by taking the medication after meals and with a glass of water. Less than 6% of patients discontinue medication for this reason. It is also common for patients to experience nausea , sleep problems, constipation , gas and/or vomiting . You may have sleep problems, vivid and unusual dreams.
Some people may have serious skin reactions while taking the drug, or even allergic reactions. If you experience these symptoms or have a scaly rash or blisters in your mouth, discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately.
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Varenicline Contraindications: Varenicline should not be used by patients under 18 years of age, pregnant women, lactating women and people who are in the habit of self-medicating. People with an allergy to varenicline or other drug compounds are also contraindicated. Patients who have unstabilized psychiatric illnesses should first treat them before starting treatment with Varenicline .