Champix (Varenicline)

Champix is the latest drug available to help people quit smoking. It is taken in pill form and works primarily in two ways. Firstly, it reduces the smoker's craving for nicotine by binding to nicotine receptors in the brain and reduces the withdrawal symptoms when s/he is trying to quit. Secondly, it reduces the satisfaction a smoker receives when smoking a cigarette because it stops nicotine from acting on the receptors in the brain.

Clinical trials showed that Champix was more effective than other drugs on the market, with 44% of smokers quitting by the end of a 12-week course.

Champix is available on NHS prescription.