Varenicline ®
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Reviewed on December 30, 2025. by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer Registered with GPhC (No. 2241935) Next review due on Aug 04, 2028.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Last updated on December 30, 2025.

Reduces cravings and makes smoking less enjoyable.

  • Varenicline is a generic medication that helps you quit smoking. It contains the same active ingredient as Chantix and works in exactly the same way. Chantix isn’t available in the US at the moment, so Varenicline is a really good alternative.

  • Varenicline can help you stop smoking slowly, rather than ‘cold turkey’. It tempers your cravings and makes smoking less enjoyable, so you feel less inclined to smoke over time.

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$108.95 1 Pack
  • Prices include:
    Express shipping

    2-5 day shipping by secure courier

  • Consultation + Access to our clinicians

    Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.

  • Total
    $108.95
    Save $0.00 each order
Varenicline Varenicline

What is Varenicline?

Varenicline is a prescription-strength stop smoking tablet. It helps combat your cravings, and makes smoking less enjoyable, so you can stop gradually. It contains the same active ingredient as Chantix and works in exactly the same way.

Who can use Varenicline?

Varenicline is a first-line stop smoking treatment, and is a safe and effective option for most adults who smoke and want to quit.

Speak to your physician before taking Varenicline if you have (or have had):

  • any kidney problems
  • a mental health condition
  • heart problems
  • seizures or fits

You should also avoid Varenicline if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

What are the benefits of Varenicline?

One major benefit of Varenicline is its flexibility – there are a couple of different approaches you can take to stop smoking with it. You can either select a specific date you want to stop smoking on, select a range of dates you’ll stop smoking in between (usually between days 8-14), or take Varenicline for 12 weeks with the aim of stopping smoking by the end of treatment. This means you can choose the method that fits best with you and your lifestyle, to get the best results from your treatment.

How do Varenicline doses work?

Varenicline comes in two different doses: a 0.5 mg tablet and a 1 mg tablet. You’ll start by taking one 0.5 mg tablet once per day, before increasing to two 0.5 mg tablets each day from day four. From day eight until the end of your treatment you’ll take 1 mg of Varenicline twice per day.

What is Varenicline’s active ingredient?

Varenicline is a generic medication that’s named after its active ingredient: varenicline. It’s a type of medicine called a selective nicotine-receptor partial agonist.

How does Varenicline work?

Varenicline is a type of partial nicotine receptor agonist, which means it binds to nicotine receptors in your brain so that nicotine can’t.[1] If nicotine can’t bind to these receptors, you don’t enjoy nicotine as much if you do smoke.[2] This combats any cravings, and makes cigarettes less ‘enjoyable,’ which should make stopping smoking easier.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Singh, D. Saadabadi, A. (2024). Varenicline. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.
  2. CDC. (2024). Varenicline. CDC.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 23938
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on August 04, 2025. Next review due on August 04, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Varenicline Varenicline

How to take Varenicline

When you start taking Varenicline, you’ll begin by taking 0.5 mg every day. Then on day four, you’ll increase this to one 0.5 mg tablet in the morning, and one 0.5 mg in the evening (around the same time each day). From day eight onwards, you’ll up your dose to one 1 mg tablet in the morning, and one 1 mg tablet in the evening (again, at around the same time each day).

It’s best to take Varenicline with a full glass of water, to help prevent any nausea you may experience as a side effect.

Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 23938
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on August 04, 2025. Next review due on August 04, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Varenicline Varenicline

Varenicline isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.

Varenicline Varenicline

Varenicline: FAQ

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Are there any Varenicline alternatives?

Answer:
Cystisine is a really similar treatment to Varenicline – they both block nicotine from binding with receptors in your brain to reduce cravings and makes smoking less enjoyable.

Bupropion is a slightly different stop smoking treatment. It helps reduce withdrawal symptoms by targeting the reuptake of dopamine and noradrenaline in your brain. Dopamine is associated with positive feelings of reward and pleasure, so Bupropion is thought to help reduce the ‘dopamine hit’ from smoking, meaning you’re less likely to crave a cigarette.[1]

Bupropion used to be sold under the brand name Zyban, but this branded version isn’t available in the USA right now.

How can I make Varenicline work better?

Answer:
While Varenicline is an effective treatment to help you stop smoking, the most important factor in quitting is you. You have to want to quit, and be open to the treatment. Try to remember that most cravings only last a few minutes, and they always pass.

How effective is Varenicline?

Answer:
Varenicline has proven in clinical trials to be an effective stop smoking aid. Phase II and Phase III studies investigating the effectiveness of Varenicline found that it was more effective than bupropion for smoking cessation.[2]

In a study of 1,510 smokers who were randomized to either varenicline or placebo for 24 weeks, 32.1% were confirmed to have stopped smoking from weeks 15-24 (compared to only 6.9% in the placebo group).[2]

Do I need a prescription for Varenicline?

Answer:
Yes – Varenicline isn’t suitable for everyone. A physician will need to check to make sure it’s a safe and effective stop smoking aid for you – and monitor your health while you take it. This is because there have been reports of depression and suicidal thoughts in patients taking Varenicline. If you or anyone around you taking Varenicline develops agitation, depression, or changes in behavior that are concerning, speak to your physician right away.

How long does it take Varenicline to work?

Answer:
Varenicline is a long-term treatment you’ll have to take for at least 12 weeks to help you stop smoking. But after just a few days of treatment, you might notice your cravings for cigarettes subside.[3]

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Varenicline?

Answer:
If you miss a dose of Varenicline, take your forgotten tablet as soon as you remember. But if it’s less than four hours until your next dose, skip the missed tablet and take your next one as normal. Never take a double dose of Varenicline to make up for a missed dose.

Can I get Varenicline through private health insurance?

Answer:
While most private healthcare plans in the US do cover stop smoking treatments, they may only cover part of the cost – or only provide cover for individuals that meet certain criteria (such as those over 65, or low-income disabled individuals). It’s always best to check with your healthcare provider to see whether or not they’ll cover the cost of Varenicline.

Some plans also require you to obtain treatment from specific healthcare providers for them to provide coverage. So it’s important to make sure that if you are covered, the provider you’re getting treatment from is included in your coverage.

But if Varenicline isn’t covered by your health insurance, you’ll still be able to buy it from an online pharmacy and prescription service.

Is Varenicline similar to any other products?

Answer:
There’s a branded form of Varenicline called Chantix. It’s not available right now, and it’s not clear when or if it will be back. Because Varenicline is a generic version of Chantix, they work in basically the same way.

The main differences between Varenicline and Chantix are the names, the companies that make them, and the prices. Varenicline is a bit cheaper than Chantix, so it’s a good option if you’re not bothered about brand names.

There’s another pill that can help you quit smoking, called Zyban. It has a different active ingredient to Varenicline, and studies suggest it doesn’t work as well at helping you stop smoking.[1] But if Varenicline isn’t right for you, Zyban might be the one.

How effective is Varenicline?

Answer:
Varenicline works very well for helping you quit smoking. It’s considered the most effective method for quitting smoking, over Zyban, nicotine replacement therapy and going ‘cold turkey’.

In one study, 44% of people taking Varenicline had quit smoking by the last four weeks of treatment. That’s compared to 30% for Bupropion (Zyban) and only 18% for a placebo.

In another study that compared the efficacy of Varenicline, to a nicotine patch, 56% of people taking Varenicline had quit smoking by the last four weeks of treatment, versus 43.2% of people using a patch.[2]

How is Varenicline different from other treatments for quitting smoking?

Answer:
Lots of approaches to quitting involve replacing the nicotine with another form that doesn’t involve smoking. Lozenges, e-cigarettes and nicotine patches are all examples of this.

Although some people find this really helpful, it doesn’t solve nicotine addiction. You’ll still be dependent on nicotine, just in a different way. Varenicline can stop your nicotine dependence altogether.

How can I make Varenicline work even better?

Answer:
Varenicline is highly effective, but the most important thing when it comes to quitting is willpower. You have to want to quit, and be open to treatment. Remember that most cravings only last about thirty seconds, and they always pass.

It’s good to be aware of situations that might make you want to smoke so you can prepare and take steps to avoid it as much as possible. Switching up your routine can also be really helpful. Most importantly, remind yourself of the reasons you want to quit and the benefits for your health and future.

How long do I need to take Varenicline?

Answer:
You should follow the quit plan you’ve agreed on with your clinician. That usually means twelve weeks of taking Varenicline. Sometimes, you’ll keep using a lower dose for twelve weeks after you stop.

This can help make it easier to stick to quitting. It’s safe to take Varenicline for longer than twelve weeks, but if it’s still not working for you after a few courses, you should talk to your clinician about other options.

Treated trusted source:

  1. Wilkes, S. (2008). The use of bupropion SR in cigarette smoking cessation. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. 3(1). pp. 45-53.
  2. Burke, M.V. et al. (2016). Varenicline for smoking cessation: a narrative review of efficacy, adverse effects, use in at-risk populations, and adherence. Patient Preference and Adherence. 10. pp. 435–441
  3. NHS. (2025). Varenicline: Common questions about varenicline. 24 January.

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Further reading

Take a look at our helpful health guides related to stop smoking.

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