Varenicline Smoking Cessation

About Varenicline Smoking Cessation

Varenicline is a prescription-only medication used to help people stop smoking. It’s usually taken as part of a structured stop smoking programme with support from your clinician. Varenicline works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while also making smoking feel less satisfying if you do have a cigarette during treatment. It’s generally well-tolerated and offers one of the highest quit rates among smoking cessation treatments available today.

You can buy Varenicline tablets online from Prescription Doctor. Fill out our brief online medical questionnaire and one of our clinicians will review your information to determine if the treatment is right for you. Provided your order is approved before 3pm on a weekday, we’ll dispatch the medication via next-day delivery in plain packaging. 

How Much Does Varenicline Cost?

At Prescription Doctor, we offer Varenicline tablets at the following prices: 
 

What is Varenicline?

Varenicline is a smoking cessation medicine that comes in tablet form. Containing the active ingredient varenicline, it helps you quit by acting on the nicotine receptors in your brain. The treatment partially activates these receptors to reduce cravings and withdrawal, while also blocking nicotine from binding fully if you smoke, thereby making cigarettes less rewarding.

Originally sold under the brand name Champix (which has the same active ingredient),  Varenicline tablets are available as a generic prescription-only treatment in the UK. It's widely considered one of the most effective stop-smoking medications, suitable for people who are motivated to quit but want extra support to handle cravings and break the habit.
 

Where Can I Buy Varenicline in the UK?

In the UK, you can buy Varenicline tablets from reputable online services such as Prescription Doctor, or from pharmacies and potentially even the NHS. Regardless of where you purchase them from, you will need approval from a doctor or clinician before commencing treatment. This is to determine whether the medication is suitable for you. 

Can I Buy Varenicline Online?

Yes, you can buy Varenicline online from Prescription Doctor via our consultation service. Here’s how it works:

• Consultation: Complete a secure online questionnaire that details your smoking habits, medical history, and lifestyle factors that may impact your treatment.
• Assessment: Our qualified prescribers assess your answers to confirm Varenicline is the best option for you.
• Decision: If Varenicline is deemed suitable, we’ll issue your prescription. If not, we’ll recommend an alternative treatment or cancel your order and issue a full refund. 
• Delivery: All products are dispatched in plain packaging for total privacy. Orders approved before 3pm on a weekday are eligible for next-day delivery. 
• Support: Our team will follow up with you to ensure you’re tolerating Varenicline well and making progress towards becoming smoke-free. 

If you decide to buy Varenicline online, be sure to check that your supplier is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and holds a license to supply medication. This ensures that you only receive genuine, high-quality treatments. 

Can I Buy Varenicline Over the Counter?

No, Varenicline is classed as a prescription-only medication in the UK, so it cannot be bought over the counter. Instead, you’ll need a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional before obtaining it. This typically occurs after reviewing your medical history to assess your suitability for the treatment. 

Is Varenicline Available on the NHS?

Yes, Varenicline may be available on the NHS through your GP or local stop smoking service, depending on local prescribing policies. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor or a prescribing stop-smoking clinician beforehand, so they can assess whether the medication is right for you. 

How Does Varenicline Work?

Varenicline helps with smoking cessation by partially binding to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain, thereby reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms you might experience when trying to quit with willpower alone. Nicotine is the addictive substance found in cigarettes, so reducing its impact is key to breaking the habit.

Varenicline works in two main ways:

Blocks the Rewarding Effect of Smoking

When you smoke a cigarette, nicotine attaches to your brain receptors and releases dopamine, also known as the ‘happy chemical’. This provides you with a sense of reward, which is the reason why you have the urge to continue smoking. By partially binding to these same receptors, Varenicline lowers the amount of dopamine released, thereby making the action of smoking less satisfying. This helps you break the psychological association between smoking and pleasure, reducing the urge to have another cigarette. 

Reduced Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms

Varenicline partially stimulates the nicotine receptors in the brain (which is what classifies it as a nicotinic partial agonist) and mimics the dopamine-releasing effect of nicotine. While perhaps not at the same levels as having an actual cigarette, this reduced release of the happy hormone lessens the impact of cravings. It also helps relieve some of the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms you feel when quitting smoking, such as irritability and anxiety.  

This dual-action effect can significantly boost your chances of success when compared to going it alone without using smoking cessation aids.

How Effective is Varenicline?

Clinical trials have shown that Varenicline tablets are a highly effective smoking cessation method. In one large study, around 44% of people taking Varenicline successfully quit smoking after 12 weeks, compared to 30% with bupropion (another stop smoking tablet), and 18% taking a placebo.

Another large-scale study analysed data from 27 trials involving over 12,000 participants. Varenicline was confirmed to more than double the chances of quitting compared to placebo, and is more effective than single forms of nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion.

Varenicline not only helps people quit but also improves long-term abstinence rates. At 52 weeks, 23% of Varenicline users remained smoke-free (compared to 15% for bupropion and 10% for placebo). 

How Long Does Varenicline Take to Work?

Varenicline typically starts working within the first week of treatment. Most people notice their cravings for cigarettes begin to reduce during this time, which is why your clinician will ask you to start taking Varenicline 1–2 weeks before your planned quit date.

During the first 7–14 days, you’ll continue smoking as usual while the Varenicline dose increases gradually. Many people find that cigarettes start to taste less satisfying by the end of the first week. By the time you reach your quit date (usually day 8 onwards), both your cravings and the psychological reward from smoking should be significantly weakened.

However, quitting smoking is different for everyone. Some users feel a strong benefit within a few days, while others take the full two weeks to notice reduced cravings and withdrawal.

Varenicline Tablets Eligibility Criteria

Varenicline is suitable for adults aged 18 and over who smoke and are motivated to quit. It may not be right for you if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a history of serious mental health conditions, such as depression with suicidal thoughts
• Have kidney disease

Always discuss your full medical history with your prescriber to ensure Varenicline tablets are safe for you.

How to Take Varenicline

It’s recommended to take Varenicline tablets with food and a glass of water. This helps reduce nausea, the most common side effect when starting treatment. You must swallow the pill whole, taking care not to chew or break it.

Varenicline treatment typically begins while you are still smoking; however, you should plan to quit around 7-14 days after you start taking the medication. As such, you will need to decide on a cessation date during your second week of treatment. If you cannot commit to quitting smoking within this first two-week period, you can choose your own date within the first 5 weeks and write this down on the medication package as a reminder. 

Varenicline Dosage Information

Varenicline tablets are available in two dosages: a white pill containing 0.5 mg of varenicline and a blue pill containing 1 mg of varenicline. You’ll usually begin with a starter pack that contains both 0.5 mg and 1 mg, helping you gradually build up to your maintenance dose.

Once you’re on your stable dose (usually 1 mg twice daily), you will continue with maintenance packs for the remainder of your treatment. Our clinicians will advise you on your full treatment schedule. This typically lasts for 12 weeks; however, this could be extended by a further 12 weeks if you require additional support to quit smoking. 

Varenicline Dosage Schedule

The typical Varenicline dosage schedule is as follows: 

When to take Varenicline

Varenicline tablets should be taken once per day for the first three days of treatment. This is upped to two daily from day 4 onwards. It’s recommended to take the smoking cessation treatment at the same time each day (usually in the morning and evening), so you may find it helpful to set an alarm to remind you of your schedule. 

What if I Miss a Varenicline Dose?

If you miss a dose of Varenicline, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Don’t double up to make up for a missed dose. Missing an occasional dose shouldn’t affect progress, but taking Varenicline consistently gives you the best chance of staying on track.

What Happens if I Take Too Much Varenicline?

Taking too much Varenicline may increase your risk of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, headache and stomach pain. If you’ve taken more than the prescribed amount, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Always follow the dosing plan exactly as your clinician recommends.

Varenicline Side Effects

Like all medicines, Varenicline can cause side effects. Some are caused by the medication itself, but others may be related to your body adjusting to life without nicotine. For example, symptoms such as irritability, increased appetite or mood changes are common when quitting smoking and may not be caused by Varenicline alone; they’re often part of nicotine withdrawal.

Possible Varenicline side effects include: 
 

The above is not an exhaustive list; please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet included with your medication for more information about the side effects of Varenicline. 

How Long Do Varenicline Side Effects Last?

Varenicline side effects are typically mild and can usually be treated at home. They will typically subside within the first few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance. 

How to Manage Varenicline Side Effects

Taking Varenicline with food and a full glass of water can reduce nausea. Having plain foods like rice or toast can help if you’re struggling to eat. If you experience vivid dreams, taking your evening dose earlier in the day may help alleviate them. For headaches, it’s possible to take over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol to ease the pain.

Experiencing flu-like symptoms, like a sore throat, congestion, and coughing, can be a common side effect of Varenicline. These can be overcome simply by resting and will usually subside over time as your body gets used to becoming free from nicotine.

While rare, some users report changes in mood, feeling down or experiencing depression. Keep track of your mood and discuss your feelings with family or friends. If you develop a depressed mood or suicidal thoughts, stop taking Varenicline and seek medical help immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions About Varenicline Tablets