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.
Let’s be real-this varenicline crap is just Big Pharma’s way of making you pay for willpower. I’ve seen people on it act like zombies, sleepwalking through life while their brain’s being rewired by a pill. You think your lungs are healing? Nah, you’re just chemically numbing yourself. Quit cold turkey or don’t bother. I’ve been smoke-free for 12 years-never took a pill. Just grit. Grit beats chemistry every time.
OMG I tried this!! 😱 I was smoking 2 packs a day and now I’m 6 months clean!! 🙌 The dreams were wild-like I was chased by a giant cigarette monster 😅 but worth it!! My skin looks better, my breath smells like a forest, and I can run to the mailbox without dying. Varenicline = magic fairy dust 💫
Man, I know how hard this is. I tried patches, gum, cold turkey-everything. I hit rock bottom after my kid asked why I smelled like an ashtray. Then I tried varenicline. It didn’t make me feel amazing, but it made me feel like I could breathe again. Not perfect, not fast, but real. You don’t need to be strong-you just need to keep going. Even if you slip, you’re still ahead of where you were yesterday. Keep going, seriously. You got this.
Okay but why do we even need a pill to quit smoking? Like, it’s just a habit right? I mean, I quit coffee in 3 days and I’m not even a coffee person. People are so weak these days. I don’t get it. Also I heard this drug makes you suicidal? That’s wild. I’m not even gonna touch it. Just quit. Just stop. It’s not that hard. 🤷♀️
I just wanted to say that I’ve been trying to quit for like 8 years and I tried everything and I felt so guilty every time I failed and then I heard about varenicline from my cousin and I was scared but I tried it and it didn’t make me feel like a different person but it made me feel like I could be me without smoking and that was the first time in like 10 years I didn’t feel like I was hiding from myself and now I’m 14 months smoke free and I still get cravings but they’re quiet now and I don’t hate myself when I have one and that’s the biggest change and I just wanted someone to know that it’s okay to need help and that help can work and you’re not broken if you need a pill to feel human again
Just got my script today. Starting tomorrow. I’m nervous but I’ve never been this ready. I’ve got a 7-year-old who asks me every night if I’m gonna smoke tonight. I told her no. Not anymore. This isn’t just for me. It’s for her. I’m gonna be the dad who doesn’t smell like smoke. I’m gonna be the dad who can play tag without wheezing. I’m gonna be the dad who doesn’t die before he sees her graduate. This is it. Let’s do this.
USA people always need medicine for everything. In India we just quit. No pill. No drama. Just stop. You want to smoke? Fine. But don’t act like you’re a hero because you took a pill. Real men don’t need chemicals to be strong. You’re weak. Just stop. No excuse. That’s it.
To everyone who said ‘just quit’-I hear you. But for some of us, quitting isn’t about willpower. It’s about trauma, anxiety, depression. Varenicline isn’t a crutch-it’s a bridge. And bridges aren’t shameful. They’re necessary. If this helps someone breathe easier, sleep better, hug their kid without smelling like a bar, then it’s worth it. No shame in healing.
I’ve been helping people quit smoking in Delhi for 15 years. I’ve seen varenicline work when nothing else did. It’s not perfect. But it’s real. The key isn’t the pill-it’s the support. The doctor who checks in. The friend who says ‘you got this.’ The person who doesn’t judge when you slip. That’s what lasts. The pill just gives you the space to find that strength.
Wait so you’re telling me I’m supposed to believe this drug doesn’t cause depression? I read the studies. The FDA warning is right there. And now you’re just gonna act like it’s harmless? People die from this. I had a cousin who took it and then… she just stopped talking. Then she stopped eating. Then she was gone. This isn’t a miracle. It’s a gamble. And you’re asking people to risk their minds for a cigarette? That’s not empowerment. That’s negligence.
Oh, look. Another corporate-sponsored, FDA-approved, ‘scientifically validated’ placebo wrapped in a 3000-word op-ed that sounds like a pharmaceutical ad written by a robot who’s never smoked. Varenicline? More like ‘Varenicline™: The Emotional Tax on Your Willpower.’ And let’s not forget the $120/month price tag for a drug that’s basically ‘nicotine denial with side effects.’ Meanwhile, in 1970, people just… stopped. No pills. No programs. No guilt. Just quit. Because they didn’t need a 12-week behavioral reprogramming session to be adults.
So let me get this straight-you’re telling me that instead of just quitting, I should take a pill that makes me have nightmares, feel nauseous, and possibly turn into a sobbing mess… so I can… not smoke? That’s not a solution. That’s a hostage situation with a prescription label. And don’t even get me started on the ‘you’ll live longer’ guilt-trip. I’m not dying to live longer. I’m living to enjoy what’s left. And if I want to smoke, I’ll smoke. And if I die early? At least I died on my terms.
While the efficacy of varenicline has been substantiated through multiple randomized controlled trials, it is imperative that patients are fully informed of potential psychiatric adverse events, including but not limited to mood alterations and suicidal ideation, as outlined in the FDA’s 2009 black box warning. The decision to initiate therapy must be made in conjunction with a comprehensive behavioral support plan, and under the continuous supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Patient autonomy and informed consent remain paramount.
I used to think quitting was about willpower. Then I watched my brother go through chemo and still smoke because he said it was the only thing that made him feel human. He died at 41. I took varenicline last year. I didn’t feel like a hero. I felt like I was slowly unlearning a language I didn’t know I was fluent in. The cravings didn’t vanish. But they changed. Like a song you used to love but now just sounds… hollow. I think quitting isn’t about fighting desire. It’s about realizing you don’t need it to feel whole anymore.
I’ve been smoke-free for 3 years now. Varenicline helped me get through the first 8 weeks. But the real win? The group I found on Reddit. The people who didn’t judge me when I cried because I missed the ritual. The ones who sent memes at 3am when I was craving. That’s what kept me. Not the pill. The people. So if you’re thinking about it-reach out. Someone out there is waiting to say ‘me too’.
Just wanted to reply to the guy who said ‘just quit.’ I get it. I used to say that too. But you don’t know what it’s like to wake up and your hands are shaking because you didn’t smoke at 6am. You don’t know what it’s like to cry because you miss the smell of smoke on your clothes. It’s not weakness. It’s biology. And sometimes, biology needs a little help. I’m not proud I needed a pill. But I’m proud I didn’t give up. And if this helps even one person feel less alone? Worth it.
And now the ‘support group’ cheerleaders come out. Cute. You think your Reddit group is healing? That’s not treatment-that’s digital comfort food. Real healing means facing the trauma that made you smoke in the first place. Not hiding behind a pill and a hashtag. You’re not brave for taking a drug. You’re just avoiding the real work. And that’s fine. But don’t pretend you’re inspiring anyone.
So you think real healing means suffering alone? That’s not strength. That’s isolation. I’ve been through trauma. I’ve sat in therapy for years. And guess what? I still smoked. Because trauma doesn’t live in your mind-it lives in your body. And sometimes, your body needs medicine to reset. Not judgment. Not shame. Not ‘just quit.’ Just help. And if that help comes in a pill, then so be it. I’m not here to be a hero. I’m here to breathe.
Also I just wanna say I ate a whole pizza last night and didn’t feel guilty 😭 I used to smoke after every meal. Now I just… eat. And it’s so weird. But good. Like I’m finally in my body again. 🥺
For those asking about weight gain-it’s real. But it’s temporary. Your metabolism will adjust. Your body will find balance. And you’ll taste food again. Really taste it. Not just swallow it between cigarettes. That’s the gift. Not the scale. The flavor. The joy. The quiet moments without the craving. That’s the win.
Wow. So now it’s ‘trauma’ and ‘body language’ and ‘digital comfort food’? Next thing you know, we’ll be prescribing varenicline for people who hate their exes or miss their TikTok followers. This isn’t medicine. It’s a cultural surrender. We used to teach discipline. Now we hand out pills and call it ‘healing.’ Pathetic.
Maybe discipline isn’t the opposite of addiction. Maybe it’s the other side of trauma. Maybe the people who ‘just quit’ never had to fight the same ghosts. Maybe they never needed to. And that’s okay. But don’t call someone weak because they needed a bridge. Some people don’t climb mountains. They build boats. And that’s brave too.
It is important to recognize that while pharmacological interventions such as varenicline may facilitate cessation, they are not a panacea. The most effective cessation outcomes are achieved through multimodal approaches, including behavioral counseling, peer support networks, and sustained follow-up care. The reduction of stigma surrounding medication-assisted cessation remains a critical public health imperative.