Champix

About Champix Tablets

Stopping smoking is challenging, but Champix tablets can make it easier to kick the habit for good. Containing the active ingredient varenicline tartrate, the medication is designed to fight the physical addiction to cigarettes, leaving you with just the psychological habit to contend with. Studies have shown that the treatment is more effective than relying on nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as patches, gum, and e-cigarettes.

Champix is once again available in the UK after it was briefly discontinued in 2021. The medication was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) following modifications to the manufacturing process.  

You can buy Champix online with Prescription Doctor following a brief consultation. Simply fill out a consultation form and our clinicians will assess whether the treatment is suitable for your circumstances. If your order is approved by 3pm on a weekday, the medication will be dispatched for next-day delivery in discreet packaging. 

Champix Prices 

Prescription Doctor is pleased to offer Champix stop smoking pills at the following prices:

We also sell the generic form of Champix, Varenicline, as part of our comprehensive stop-smoking service. 

What is Champix?

Champix is a smoking cessation treatment that’s available in tablet form. It contains the active ingredient varenicline tartrate, which works by targeting nicotine receptors in the brain to help relieve the craving and withdrawal symptoms associated with giving up cigarettes. The medication is also designed to make smoking feel less rewarding if you do light up.

Alongside the generic medication, Varenicline, Champix is considered to be one of the most effective prescription stop-smoking treatments available in the UK. When used alongside a quit-smoking programme, the medication can drastically improve your chances of beating the habit when compared to going ‘cold turkey’. 

How Does Champix Work?

The active ingredient in Champix, varenicline, is classified as a nicotinic partial agonist, meaning it partially stimulates and binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain. These receptors respond to nicotine by creating the rewarding effects associated with smoking addiction. By interfering with this process, varenicline can reduce the impact of cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Champix stop smoking tablets work in two distinct ways to help you kick the habit. These are:

Blocking Feelings of Reward

Smoking a cigarette causes nicotine to attach to the AChRs in the brain and release the “happy chemical”, dopamine. This creates a sense of reward when you smoke, which is the main reason why you have the urge to keep going. By partially binding to these receptors, Champix reduces the amount of dopamine that is released into the body, making smoking feel less satisfying. 

Limiting Withdrawal Symptoms and Cravings

The second way in which Champix helps with smoking cessation is by mimicking the dopamine-releasing effect of nicotine. Although this is not at the same level as actually having a cigarette, it can still lessen the impact of cravings and relieve unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and irritability. 

How Effective Are Champix Stop Smoking Pills?

Largely considered to be the most effective stop smoking tablets, Champix is clinically proven to more than double your chances of quitting when tested against a placebo. Further trials pitted varenicline (Champix) against buproprion (Zyban), another smoking cessation medication, and found that Champix helped 44% of people quit during the last 4 weeks of treatment, compared to 30% with buproprion.  

Champix is also extremely effective for those who need a bit longer to quit. One study found that the treatment significantly increased stop smoking rates from weeks 15 to 24 of treatment, with 32.1% of people breaking the habit after using varenicline, compared to just 6.9% on a placebo. Meanwhile, a trial published in The Lancet found that Champix had a low incidence of adverse neuropsychotic events when compared to bupropion, nicotine patches and a placebo, with no more than 3% of participants being affected.

It’s not just with smoking cessation where Champix excels, as the medication can also improve long-term abstinence rates. After 53 weeks, some 23% of Champix users remained smoke-free, compared to just 14.6% on bupropion and 10.3% in the placebo group. 

How Long Does Champix Take to Work?

After a few days of taking Champix, you may notice that you’re experiencing fewer cravings for cigarettes. This is the result of varenicline building up in your body and making smoking feel less rewarding. By the time you reach your chosen quit date, you should have enough Champix in your body to halt your smoking habits.  

It’s important to note that everyone’s stop-smoking journey is different. Some users may notice a significant decrease in withdrawal symptoms and cravings within a few days, while others may not see results for a couple of weeks. If you’re ever unsure about whether Champix is working for you, speak to a clinician for advice. 

Champix Prescription Criteria

Champix stop smoking tablets are suitable for smokers aged 18 and over who are motivated to kick the habit. That being said, the medication is not suitable for everyone, so it’s important to disclose your full medical history, including any treatments you’re currently taking, to a clinician before starting Champix.

You may not be able to take Champix if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding 
• Have kidney problems
• Have a history of mental health conditions
• Have ever had any heart issues
• Are allergic to any of the ingredients
• Have ever had a seizure or a fit

More information regarding Champix ingredients and who can take the tablets can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet. 

How to Take Champix

Champix tablets should be swallowed whole; do not chew or break them. It’s recommended that you take them with a glass of water, with or without food. However, you may wish to take them with a meal to help reduce the chance of feeling nauseous, which is the most common side effect when starting treatment.

Before starting on Champix stop smoking pills, you should decide on a quit-smoking date, when you’ll completely give up cigarettes. This will usually occur during your second week of treatment; however, it can be delayed if you feel that you need a bit more time to finally quit. If you’re ever unsure about what’s best for you, it’s recommended that you speak with a clinician. 

Champix Dose Information

Your treatment will begin with the Champix starter pack, which contains both 0.5 mg (white pill) and 1 mg (blue pill) strengths of the active ingredient varenicline tartrate. You’ll typically start on the white tablets and gradually build up your dosage before moving on to the Champix 1 mg maintenance pack for the remainder of the journey. The gradual increase is designed to limit the likelihood of side effects. 

Champix Dose Schedule

The typical dose schedule for Champix tablets is as follows:

Please note that the Champix starter pack contains both 0.5 mg and 1 mg tablets. If you find the higher dose difficult to tolerate, you may be able to continue maintenance treatment with the 0.5 mg strength instead. It’s essential to consult a clinician before making any decisions.

If you have stopped smoking after 12 weeks of treatment, your clinician may recommend that you continue taking Champix 1 mg tablets twice daily for a further 12 weeks to try and prevent you from returning to cigarettes. 

What if I Miss a Dose of Champix?

If you miss a dose of Champix, take it as soon as you remember. If you have only 3 to 4 hours before your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as usual. Never take a double dose to try and catch up.

It is essential to take Champix tablets consistently at approximately the same time each day, as this provides the medication with the best possible chance of success. 

What if I Take More Champix Than I Should?

If you accidentally take more Champix tablets than you should, it’s essential to seek medical advice or go to your nearest accident and emergency department immediately. Be sure to take the box of medication with you, so doctors know exactly what you have taken.

Champix Side Effects

Like all medications, it’s possible that Champix tablets can cause side effects, though some people may not experience anything. Some may be the result of taking the treatment itself, while others could be related to the fact that your body is adjusting to life without nicotine. These include increased appetite, irritability, and mood changes.

Potential Champix side effects include:
 

It’s important to note that the above is not an exhaustive list of potential Champix side effects. For more information, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet. 

How Long Do Champix Side Effects Last?

Champix side effects are usually mild and can be treated at home. Common ones, such as nausea and headaches, typically subside within the first few weeks of treatment as your body gets used to the medication. If your symptoms persist or worsen, contact your clinician for advice, as they may suggest changing your dose or switching to a different treatment. 

How to Deal with Champix Side Effects

Nausea is one of the more prevalent side effects of Champix and can be dealt with by taking the medication with food and a full glass of water. To combat vivid dreams or insomnia, take your second tablet earlier in the evening rather than just before bed. For headaches, you can take paracetamol, ibuprofen, or other over-the-counter pain relievers.

Other common Champix side effects include flu-like symptoms such as coughing, congestion, and a sore throat. These can be dealt with by resting as much as possible, allowing your body time to adapt to the lack of nicotine.

If the side effects become serious or you develop symptoms such as a depressed mood or suicidal thoughts, stop taking Champix tablets and seek medical assistance.  
 

How Can I Buy Champix to Quit Smoking?

You can buy Champix tablets in the UK from reputable online sources such as Prescription Doctor, or you may find them at certain pharmacies. Regardless of where you obtain them, you will need approval from a clinician or doctor before starting treatment. This is to ensure the medication is suitable for your circumstances. 

How to Buy Champix Online

If you’d like to buy Champix online from Prescription Doctor, you can do so via our stop-smoking consultation service. Here’s how it works:

• Questionnaire: Answer a few medical questions that may impact your treatment. Subjects include your smoking habits, medical history, and lifestyle factors.
• Assessment: Our specialist prescribers will review your responses and determine whether Champix is suitable for you.
• Decision: If the medication is approved, your prescription will be issued. If not, the order will be cancelled or an alternative treatment will be suggested. 
• Delivery: Orders approved before 3pm on a weekday are eligible for next-day delivery. All products are dispatched in discreet packaging by our General Pharmaceutical Council-registered dispensing pharmacy.
• Support: Our clinicians will regularly check in with you to ensure Champix is working as intended and you’re on your way to becoming smoke-free. 

Can You Buy Champix Over the Counter?

No, Champix tablets are classified as a prescription-only medication in the UK. This means they cannot be obtained over the counter. You’ll instead need to consult a medical professional, such as a clinician or doctor, who will assess your suitability for the treatment before issuing a prescription. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Champix Tablets

Is Champix Safe?

Yes, Champix is a safe stop-smoking treatment. It returned to the UK market in 2025 after the manufacturer, Pfizer, rectified an issue that had resulted in unacceptable levels of impurities being found in the tablets. This new version of Champix has been approved by regulators like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Why Was Champix Banned in the UK?

Champix was discontinued in the UK as a precautionary measure in 2021, following updated guidance on the presence of potential carcinogens known as nitrosamines. Tests showed that Champix tablets contained levels of the impurity that were above acceptable safety limits, prompting medical regulators to issue product recalls.

Following changes to manufacturing processes, Champix is once again available in the UK. 

When Do You Stop Smoking on Champix?

You should ideally stop smoking within the second week of Champix treatment. It’s therefore important to decide on a quitting date before starting the medication. If you’re struggling to kick the habit and cannot stop within the first two weeks, you can choose a different date, provided it's within five weeks of taking Champix. 

Why is Champix Not Working?

Although highly effective, Champix tablets are not a miracle cure and still require willpower to succeed. If you’re finding it difficult to stop smoking while taking the medication, this may be due to a lack of motivation, not following the dosage schedule, or not engaging with behavioural support. The treatment could also not be suitable for your circumstances.

If you feel that Champix is not working for you, seek advice from a clinician, as they may recommend an alternative stop-smoking medication.

What Happens When You Stop Taking Champix?

When you’ve completed the full 12-week course of Champix, it’s safe to stop taking the medication without reducing the dosage. Some people may want to gradually lower their Champix dose towards the end of the treatment schedule if they are concerned about the potential for side effects, or are worried about the possibility of resuming smoking.

If you think you would rather gradually reduce your Champix dose instead of stopping the medication completely, please consult your clinician, who will help you determine whether this is suitable for your circumstances.

Can You Take Champix When Pregnant?

No, it’s not recommended to take Champix (or generic Varenicline) when pregnant. This is due to a lack of available safety information for the product during pregnancy. If you are trying to stop smoking while pregnant, consult a doctor or midwife, who can recommend alternative nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) such as patches and gum.

Champix may pass into breast milk. You should therefore seek advice from a doctor or clinician before taking the medication while breastfeeding. 

How Long Can You Take Champix For?

The usual course of Champix treatment is 12 weeks. If you feel that you need longer than this to properly quit smoking, your clinician or doctor may prescribe you another 12-week course. It’s important to consult a medical professional before making a decision about extending your treatment schedule.

Clinical research has found that taking Champix (varenicline) for more than the traditional 12 weeks may be a good option to increase cessation rates, especially in the cases of heavy smokers with mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Champix?

Although there is no medical information to suggest a negative interaction between Champix and alcohol, some people have reported unusual behaviour or increased drunkenness when taking both substances together. You should therefore consider limiting your alcohol use when using Champix tablets, especially if you start noticing changes to your mood or behaviour. 

How Long Before Champix Leaves Your System?

Champix tablets have an elimination half-life of around 24 hours, with 92% of the medication being removed unchanged from the body. A drug’s half-life is determined by the length of time it takes for half of its potency to leave the body. As a result, it can take around 4 days for Champix to fully leave your system.