Every year, over 78,000 people in the UK die from smoking-related causes. That’s more than the population of Manchester. If you’re thinking about quitting, you’re not just breaking a habit-you’re rewriting your future. And when it comes to stopping smoking for good, varenicline isn’t just another pill. It’s one of the most effective tools doctors have ever given smokers to take back control.
What Varenicline Actually Does
Varenicline, sold under the brand name Champix in the UK, works in two simple ways. First, it gently stimulates the same brain receptors that nicotine hits-so your cravings don’t hit like a sledgehammer. Second, it blocks nicotine from binding to those receptors if you do smoke. That means even if you slip up, the high you get is dull, almost flat. No rush. No reward. Over time, your brain stops expecting it.
It’s not magic. But it’s science that works. In clinical trials, people using varenicline were more than twice as likely to quit after 12 weeks compared to those using a placebo. After a year, about 22% of users stayed smoke-free-compared to just 10% with nicotine patches alone. That’s not a small difference. That’s life-changing.
Your Body Starts Healing the Day You Stop
People think quitting smoking means waiting months to see results. That’s not true. Your body begins repairing itself within hours.
- Within 20 minutes: Your heart rate drops to normal.
- After 12 hours: Carbon monoxide levels in your blood fall to normal-oxygen can flow freely again.
- After 2 weeks: Your circulation improves. Walking up stairs doesn’t leave you gasping.
- After 1 month: Lung function starts to improve. Coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
- After 1 year: Your risk of heart disease is cut in half.
- After 5 years: Your stroke risk matches that of someone who never smoked.
- After 10 years: Your risk of lung cancer drops by nearly half.
These aren’t theoretical numbers. These are real changes happening inside you. And varenicline helps you stay on track long enough for them to matter.
Why Most Quitting Attempts Fail-And How Varenicline Changes That
The average smoker tries to quit five times before succeeding. Why? Because nicotine withdrawal isn’t just about cravings. It’s anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping, even depression. Most people think they’re weak for giving in. They’re not. They’re just fighting biology.
Varenicline doesn’t ignore that. It tackles the brain chemistry behind the urge. Studies show it reduces withdrawal symptoms by up to 40% compared to no medication. You still feel the stress. But you don’t feel the desperate need to smoke to make it go away.
One man in Manchester, 52, told his pharmacist he’d tried patches, gum, cold turkey-six times. He said, "I didn’t think I could stand the cravings again." He started varenicline, took it for 12 weeks, and hasn’t smoked in 18 months. "It didn’t make me feel great," he said. "But it made me feel like I could handle not smoking. That was everything."
Side Effects? Yes. But They’re Manageable
No medication comes without trade-offs. Varenicline can cause nausea-about 3 in 10 people feel it, especially in the first week. Most cases are mild and fade. Taking it with food and a full glass of water cuts it down significantly.
Sleep changes, vivid dreams, and headaches are also possible. These usually settle within a few weeks. If they don’t, your doctor can adjust the dose. Rarely, people report mood changes. If you feel unusually depressed, anxious, or have thoughts of self-harm, stop taking it and call your GP immediately. This is rare-less than 1 in 100-but it’s serious enough that your doctor will screen you before prescribing it.
Compared to the risk of lung cancer, heart attack, or COPD? The side effects of varenicline are a small price to pay.
How to Use Varenicline Right
You don’t just pop a pill and expect miracles. Varenicline works best when you plan.
- Choose a quit date-usually one to two weeks after starting the medicine.
- Start with 0.5 mg once daily for three days, then 0.5 mg twice daily for four days.
- After that, take 1 mg twice daily for 11 weeks.
- Keep taking it even if you slip up. The goal isn’t perfection-it’s progress.
- Don’t stop early. The full 12-week course gives you the best chance of staying quit.
It’s not a quick fix. It’s a 3-month investment in 20 more years of breathing easy.
Who Shouldn’t Take It
Varenicline isn’t for everyone. Avoid it if you:
- Have a history of severe mental illness, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, without close monitoring.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have kidney disease-your dose may need adjusting.
- Are under 18. It’s not approved for teens.
If you’re on other medications-especially antidepressants or blood pressure drugs-tell your doctor. Interactions are rare, but they happen.
What Happens If You Relapse?
Relapse isn’t failure. It’s data.
Most people who quit smoking slip up within the first month. If you smoke a cigarette while on varenicline, don’t panic. Don’t quit the medicine. You’re still blocking the reward. The next cigarette will be less satisfying. Keep going.
One woman in Leeds said she smoked two cigarettes during week 6. She thought she’d blown it. But she kept taking varenicline. By week 10, she didn’t even want a cigarette. "I didn’t feel guilty. I just felt like I’d learned something."
The Bigger Picture: Living Longer, Not Just Quitting
Quitting smoking isn’t just about avoiding death. It’s about living better.
People who quit before 40 reduce their risk of smoking-related death by 90%. Even quitting at 60 adds 3 years to your life on average. And it’s not just longevity-it’s quality.
Imagine walking without wheezing. Sleeping through the night. Tasting food again. Playing with your grandkids without stopping to catch your breath. These aren’t fantasies. They’re what happens when you stop smoking.
Varenicline doesn’t make you a saint. It doesn’t erase your past. But it gives you the space to choose a different future. One where your lungs aren’t full of tar. Where your heart doesn’t race from a single step. Where you’re not counting down the hours until your next cigarette.
Getting Varenicline in the UK
You need a prescription from your GP or a smoking cessation clinic. It’s free on the NHS if you’re using their stop-smoking services. You can also get it through your local pharmacy with a prescription.
Don’t buy it online without a prescription. Fake or unregulated versions are dangerous. Stick to licensed suppliers. Your health isn’t worth the risk.
What Comes Next
Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health-better than any supplement, diet, or gym membership. Varenicline is just the tool. The power is yours.
Start by talking to your GP. Ask about varenicline. Ask about support groups. Ask about the NHS Stop Smoking Service. They’ll help you every step of the way.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start. And if you’re ready to do that, your future self is already thanking you.
Is varenicline better than nicotine patches?
Yes, for most people. Studies show varenicline doubles your chances of quitting compared to nicotine patches. Patches help with cravings but don’t block nicotine’s effect on the brain. Varenicline does both-reducing cravings and making smoking less satisfying if you slip up.
How long do I need to take varenicline?
The standard course is 12 weeks. Some people extend it to 24 weeks if they’re still struggling. The first 12 weeks are critical-this is when your brain rewires itself. Stopping early increases the chance of relapse.
Can I drink alcohol while taking varenicline?
Some people report increased intoxication or unusual behavior when drinking alcohol while on varenicline. You might feel more dizzy, aggressive, or disoriented than usual. It’s safest to cut back or avoid alcohol entirely during treatment. If you do drink, be extra cautious.
Does varenicline cause weight gain?
Many people gain 5-10 pounds after quitting smoking, whether they use varenicline or not. This is because nicotine suppresses appetite and boosts metabolism. Varenicline doesn’t cause weight gain directly, but you may eat more to cope with cravings. Focus on healthy snacks and movement-your body will adjust.
What if varenicline doesn’t work for me?
It’s not a failure. About 1 in 5 people don’t respond to varenicline. Talk to your doctor. You might try bupropion (Zyban), nicotine replacement therapy, or a combination. Some people benefit from counselling or digital support apps. The key is to keep trying. Every attempt brings you closer to success.
If you’ve read this far, you’re already thinking differently about smoking. That’s the first step. The next one? Pick up the phone and call your GP. Your future self is waiting.
