Chantix for Insomnia Treatment

by Barbara Bryant

Overview

Chantix, a drug designed to help people quit smoking, has a number of side effects which include insomnia. Not everyone develops these side effects and it has been shown to be effective in helping people quit smoking for at least 12 weeks, and for some, at least a year.
Definition

Chantix (varenicline) is a drug developed by the Pfizer pharmaceuticals company that is designed to help people stop smoking.

Methodology

Chantix works by blocking nicotine's ability to trigger brain receptors to produce large amounts of chemicals, such as dopamine, that induce feelings of pleasure. But it also stimulates the brain to produce small amounts of these chemicals to prevent the withdrawal symptoms their sudden absence causes when people stop smoking.
Sleep problems

Chantix has several side effects, most of which are minor. They include insomnia and vivid, abnormal dreams, which can also hinder sound sleep. Not everyone develops these side effects, and they may diminish over time.
Dosage Instructions

Doctors recommend that people begin taking Chantix a week before the day they stop smoking and continue for at least 12 weeks and up to 24 weeks. People start with one pill a day and eventually take two to reduce the risk of developing insomnia and other side effects.
Results

One of the few studies that have been conducted showed that Chantix worked better to help people stay smoke-free for up to a year than buprion, a commonly-used alternative. Another study indicated that it was effective only for 24 weeks. In any case, only 14 percent to 23 percent remained smoke-free for a year, the Mayo Clinic reported.
Precautions

People who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding should not take Chantrix. Any signs of depression or other unsual mood changes should be reported to a doctor, and the drug may impair some people's ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.