Varenicline
Varenicline is a medicine used to support smoking cessation by reducing nicotine craving and reward. Behavioural support improves the treatment plan.
Key points
- Nausea and vivid dreams are common, while sleepwalking or dangerous sleep behaviour needs prompt review.
- New severe mood change, agitation or suicidal thinking requires urgent assessment.
- Kidney function affects exposure, and seizure risk needs individual review.
Listings are for comparison only; suitability and supply depend on cessation planning, kidney and mental-health assessment, prescription and pharmacy checks.
What varenicline is used for
Varenicline is used within a supported attempt to stop smoking and does not remove the need to plan triggers, withdrawal and relapse prevention.
Important safety checks
Review kidney disease, seizures, mental-health history, pregnancy, alcohol reactions and other cessation medicines. Avoid driving if dizzy, sleepy or impaired.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for suicidal intent, seizure, dangerous behaviour while not fully awake, facial swelling, breathing difficulty or a severe blistering rash.