Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.
Check symptoms

Varenicline

Brand names: Chantix (brand discontinued), Tyrvaya (nasal spray, for dry eye)

Varenicline is one of the most effective medicines to help people quit smoking. It eases cravings and makes smoking less satisfying.

Brand namesChantix (brand discontinued), Tyrvaya (nasal spray, for dry eye)
Type of medicineQuit-smoking medicine
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's usually taken for 12 weeks, sometimes longer. Combining it with counseling raises success.

What it's used for

  • Quitting smoking

How to take it

  • Set a quit date. Start the pills 1 week before it (or quit gradually as your provider explains).
  • Take it after eating with a full glass of water.
  • Free help: call 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Vivid or strange dreams
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Constipation or gas
  • Headache
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911Chest pain or signs of a heart attack or stroke
Call 911Swelling of the face, mouth, or throat, or a blistering rash
Call your provider todayNew or worse depression, agitation, hostility, or unusual behavior
Call your provider todaySleepwalking or seizures

Warnings

  • Don't drive until you know how it affects you.
  • Drink less alcohol; it may affect you more.
  • Doses are lower with kidney disease.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Alcohol effects may be stronger.
  • Nicotine patches can add to nausea and headache.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider about the safest way to quit during pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.