It’s easier to give up smoking once you stop craving and enjoying it. So, how do you get to that point?

Only a smoker knows how difficult it is to quit. Going the distance is a real problem when the people around you are smoking and cravings remain strong.
 
That’s because smoking can be more than a habit – it’s an addiction that also affects your mood. Withdrawal symptoms such as mood swings and irritability can eat away at your willpower and become too hard to handle.

If you’ve tried to quit but nothing has worked, you might have better luck with a different approach: a way that tackles both the cravings and enjoyment of smoking.

A DIFFERENT WAY TO STOP SMOKING
Champix is a prescription medicine that can help you break the smoking addiction.

It is nicotine-free, but what really makes it different is its dual mode of action. Champix can reduce your urge to smoke and can help make smoking less pleasurable too: a sensible formula for those serious about quitting.

HOW CHAMPIX WORKS



When you smoke, nicotine binds to receptors in the brain, which
triggers the release of a feel-good chemical called dopamine.
As nicotine levels drop after a cigarette is smoked, craving and
withdrawal symptoms occur, prompting you to have another cigarette.




Champix binds to the same receptors in the brain, also triggering
the release of dopamine. But with Champix, a lesser amount is
released over a longer period of time.
That means you might experience fewer cravings and withdrawal
symptoms in the absence of nicotine.




If you do have a cigarette while on Champix, nicotine won’t bind
to receptors in the brain, and you might not experience the same
feelings of satisfaction and reward as you did before.


GO THE DISTANCE
By reducing withdrawal symptoms, Champix can increase your chances of successfully quitting. Champix must be taken for 12 weeks, as that’s how long it typically takes for withdrawal symptoms to pass.

If you’re ready to stop smoking, ask your doctor about Champix. A 12-week course costs around $6 a day – less than a daily pack of cigarettes.

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All medicines have benefits and risks. Discuss with you doctor. Champix is an unfunded Prescription Medicine that helps adults over 18 years to stop smoking.  You will need to pay for this medicine and normal doctor’s & pharmacy fees apply. Do not take if you are under 18 years or are allergic to varenicline or any ingredients in Champix Tablets. Tell your doctor if you have ever had depression, other mental health problems, kidney problems, have a history of repeated fits, are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Some people have had serious changes in behaviour, mood or thinking including self-harm or harming others. If you or your family notice changes in your behaviour or mood, stop taking Champix and see your doctor. Some people have had serious allergic reactions to Champix that can be life threatening. If you get swelling of the face, mouth, throat or a skin rash stop taking Champix and see your doctor immediately. Other possible side-effects include nausea, headache, difficulty in sleeping, abnormal dreams, dizziness, constipation, flatulence, dry mouth and changes in taste. If you have side-effects see your doctor.  Always read the label and use strictly as directed. Consult your doctor to see if Champix is right for you. Contains varenicline 0.5mg & 1mg.  Further information on Champix is available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or Pfizer New Zealand Ltd, Auckland, www.pfizer.co.nz. Phone 0800 736 363.  TAPS NA4237


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