Champix Guide

Once upon a time, smoking was seen as cool, attractive and seductive. It was glamorised in the media, television and film, with stars such as Marilyn Monroe encouraging it to the nation. However, in the present day, medical experts have realised that smoking is not as cool as it used to be, with medical research concluding that smoking can cause severe internal damage. As a result, smoking is now presented in a negative light.

So what actually is smoking?

Smoking is an addictive habit where you breathe in chemicals, and release them again. However, this does not mean that the chemicals that you inhale and exhale have no effect on you…


The anatomy of a cigarette

So what even is in a cigarette? Well, a cigarette is made up of a vast array of materials and chemicals, some of which include:

  • Tar
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Hydrogen Cyanide
  • Nitrogen Oxide
  • Arsenic (used in wood stabilisers)
  • Cadmium (used in batteries)

The list goes on and on, and unluckily, almost every ingredient is bad for you. These are the reason as to why smokers potentially suffer, possibly even life threatening, health problems.

The dirty details

Unfortunately, tobacco cigarettes also include nicotine which is a highly addictive drug. It is the main reason for such a high rate of adult smokers in the United Kingdom today. According to Cancer Research UK, about 10 million adults smoke. This means that 10 million adults are at risk from heart failure, lung cancer, and other health problems. It is the bitter sweet truth that shops are not going to stop selling cigarettes any time soon, so it is up to you to take control of your life, and change your future.

What is Champix?

Champix is a new method for quitting smoking, and has been coined the "Quit Smoking" Prescription Drug. It is a pill that can be prescribed by a doctor, and it has been created to help smokers stop smoking. It is mainly known as Champix, but is called Chantix in the US, and it is generally known as varenicline. Champix was first introduced onto the market in 2007, with it being available as an NHS prescription drug.

Champix is a tablet that acts in the brain. This is achieved through varenicline which is an active ingredient that binds the nicotine receptors in the brain, limiting the effects of smoking on the individual. Consequently, the smoker soon feels fewer cravings for nicotine, less intense withdrawal symptoms, and the satisfaction of smoking a cigarette is reduced. In the end, the smoker does not even want to have cigarettes and they stop smoking forever.

How is Champix taken?

Champix is taken like most other drugs. You take it orally, with or without water, and it has a specific timetable of when to take different dosages. During the first 3 days, you must take 0.5 milligrams once a day, then the next four days, you must take 0.5 milligrams twice a day, and from the eight day you must take 1 milligrams of dosage once a day until you have completed the treatment. The total length of the treatment lasts 12 weeks, but it can be subject to change depending on the patient.

Who created Champix?

The company that made Champix was Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company famous for making Viagra. The individual scientist who created Champix was an ex-smoker whose father died of an illness which was caused by smoking.

How much does Champix cost?

Buying the twelve week recommended course can cost between £100 and £200. This may seem like a lot of money which will eat into your wallet, but if you compare it to the cost of a lifetime supply of cigarettes, it may seem pretty meek in comparison.

Side Effects of Champix »