If you’re serious about quitting smoking, you may have heard about Champix. It’s a different approach to quitting, which could be the turning point for those who have struggled to quit in the past.

Five thousand Kiwis and counting have decided to quit using Champix – now fully funded for those who have tried other smoking cessation treatments without success.*

Champix works on reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, in turn reducing your desire to smoke again.

What’s more, with Champix, you don’t have to quit right away, but at the point where smoking no longer feels right (sometime during the second week of treatment).

STARTING ON CHAMPIX – WEEK ONE
Champix is a 12-week course, which starts off with a starter pack before moving into a maintenance phase.

In the first week you ease into the medication with a low-dose tablet, at which point you don’t even have to stop smoking.
You’ll soon notice, however, that smoking may not feel the same or be as rewarding.

That’s because Champix works by blocking the effects of nicotine on your body, reducing feelings of reward that keep you going back for another cigarette.

WEEK TWO AND BEYOND
Your second week is when you set your quit date, which should be between days 8 to 14.

Once you do quit smoking, the 1mg twice a day maintenance dose of Champix continues to help insulate you from cravings.

As nicotine withdrawal typically lasts 10 weeks or more, it’s important to stay on Champix for the full 12-week course. It will help as you combat common triggers to smoke, such as friends who smoke, social events with other smokers and daily routines that are associated with smoking.

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
If you’re ready to stop smoking, ask your doctor about Champix. You may be eligible to have the entire 12-week course funded.

Just remember that while Champix should help, it will take a combination of willpower, encouragement from family and friends and advice from a health professional to beat the habit for good.

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*Talk to your GP about whether you qualify for a funded course of Champix. Champix is a Prescription Medicine that helps adults over 18 years to stop smoking.  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 NA4852

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