Tag: Chantix

Research indicates that using medication can more than double a person's chances of successfully quitting smoking compared to quitting without it. The key to success often lies in identifying the right treatment, including finding the pill that stops smoking that best suits an individual's needs and health profile. There are two primary FDA-approved prescription pills for this purpose: varenicline and bupropion.

In July 2021, pharmaceutical company Pfizer voluntarily recalled several lots of its popular smoking cessation medication, Chantix (varenicline), after discovering unacceptable levels of a nitrosamine impurity. This expanded recall eventually included all lots of the brand-name product, which is no longer available, leading many to ask, 'What smoking cessation medication is being recalled?'.

According to a 2025 study in *JAMA*, varenicline (generic Chantix), combined with counseling, significantly increased abstinence rates among young adults attempting to quit vaping. This evidence suggests that for many, the answer to **does Chantix work for vaping** is a promising yes, though it is not yet officially FDA-approved for this specific purpose.

In 2021, manufacturer Pfizer voluntarily recalled all lots of the brand-name medication Chantix (varenicline), leaving many to question, “Do they still prescribe Chantix for smoking?”. While the brand-name product was permanently discontinued, generic versions of varenicline are still widely prescribed and considered safe and effective by regulatory bodies.

Following its recall in 2021 due to unacceptable levels of nitrosamine impurities, the brand-name drug Chantix was permanently discontinued by Pfizer. Fortunately, several effective treatments, including generic versions of the active ingredient, are available as a replacement drug for Chantix.

A 2011 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that for every 24 subjects treated with varenicline for over six weeks, one event of constipation could be expected. This confirms that while not the most common adverse event, **varenicline does cause constipation** in some patients, a potential concern for those undergoing smoking cessation. This article explores the link between the medication and bowel function, offers practical management strategies, and distinguishes it from constipation due to nicotine withdrawal.

In 2022, while over half of adult smokers attempted to quit, fewer than 1 in 10 succeeded [1.8.1, 1.8.2]. This challenge leads many to ask, **can you take CHANTIX and Wellbutrin together** for a more effective approach to quitting smoking?

Varenicline, the active ingredient in Chantix, has been shown to significantly increase the chances of successfully quitting smoking for up to a year. Despite its effectiveness, you cannot buy Chantix over the counter, as it is a prescription-only medication.

According to GoodRx, Chantix is often considered more effective than quitting 'cold turkey'. When starting this medication, it is important to understand the different timelines for how long you can smoke on Chantix before your quit date, as this varies depending on your chosen method.

Varenicline is considered the most effective single-medicine therapy for smoking cessation [1.2.3]. So, can you still smoke while taking varenicline? Most treatment plans involve smoking for at least the first week to allow the medicine to build up in your body [1.3.3].