Quitting smoking is arguably one of the hardest things you can do. Many people who have quit harder drugs like heroin or methamphetamine have reported having a more difficult time with smoking cessation. Because of this, many people opt to try medications like Chantix to help them quit smoking.

One of the main reasons that people say quitting smoking is difficult is their alcohol consumption. When you drink alcohol, the cravings for cigarettes seem to become enhanced. This makes you wonder, can you continue drinking alcohol while you are on a smoking cessation aid like Chantix?

Unfortunately, drinking alcohol while on Chantix is extremely dangerous, and many people are unaware of this fact. With that being said, if you are considering taking this medication to quit smoking, it is important to be aware of the dangers of mixing Chantix and alcohol.

What is Chantix?

Chantix is the brand name for a drug known as varenicline. Varenicline is a medication that helps people quit smoking by blocking the effects of nicotine in the brain that makes you want to smoke. This medication is not prescribed to anyone under the age of 18, as research has not been done on the effects of Chantix on adolescents.

According to the National Library of Medicine, “Varenicline is in a class of medications called smoking cessation aids. It works by blocking the pleasant effects of nicotine (from smoking) on the brain.”[1]

This medication comes as a tablet that is taken orally. Typically, you begin taking this medication once a day in the morning and move on to take it once in the morning and once in the evening.

There are three ways that you can take varenicline to quit smoking. These include:

• Set a date to quit smoking and take Chantix a week before that start date.
• Start taking Chantix and quit smoking sometime between 8 to 35 days after starting treatment.
• If you are unsure about when to quit smoking, you can start taking the medication and slowly begin to cut down on cigarettes over a 12-week period. After 12 weeks, you should be completely done with smoking cigarettes.

What are the Side Effects of Chantix?

Like any medication, there are side effects associated with Chantix. However, this medication does have some serious side effects that you should be aware of. These side effects include:

• Seizure
• Suicidal ideation or self-harm
• Restlessness
• Weird dreams
• Sleepwalking
• Insomnia
• Mood or behavior changes
• Depression
• Agitation, hostility, or aggression
• Pressure or pain in the chest
• Jaw pain that spreads to the shoulders
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Feelings of numbness or weakness
• Slurred speech
• Vision or balance issues

While these side effects are severe, they are less common. The common side effects of Chantix include:

• Nausea that persists for several months
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Gas
• Insomnia
• Strange dreams

If you experience side effects that do not go away, alert your doctor. They can let you know whether your side effects are normal or if they raise some medical concerns.

What are the Dangers of Mixing Chantix and Alcohol?

Chantix comes with a list of medications and substances to avoid when taking the medication. One of the most important substances you should avoid is alcohol.

The dangers of mixing Chantix and alcohol are so severe that the FDA released a warning. According to the FDA, “the prescription smoking cessation medicine Chantix (varenicline) can change the way people react to alcohol. In addition, rare accounts of seizures in patients treated with Chantix have been reported.”[2]

Some people have reported experiencing strange behavior associated with the consumption of alcohol when taking Chantix. Additionally, some individuals report blacking out and being unable to remember anything that happened. This can be extremely dangerous when you consider that alcohol lowers your inhibitions, making you more susceptible to risky and dangerous behavior.

Other risks associated with mixing varenicline and alcohol include:

• Increased sleepiness, dizziness, inability to concentrate, and difficulty carrying out activities.
• Higher rates of comorbidities like mental health conditions or drug addictions
• Aggressive behavior or neuropsychiatric side effects such as mood changes or inability to think when drinking on Chantix

Are there Alternative Options to Chantix for Smoking Cessation?

When it comes to smoking cessation, there are alternative options for Chantix to consider. First, many people have found success using nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges. These smoking cessation aids provide you with the nicotine you crave at a lower amount, allowing you to slowly wean yourself off of nicotine completely.

If you have tried the patches, gum, and lozenges, there are other smoking cessation medications you can try.

The most common medication is known as Wellbutrin or Zyban. These are brand names for the drug bupropion. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Bupropion is effective in the early stages of smoking cessation withdrawal by attenuating the effects of nicotine withdrawal. This is most probably mediated by the inhibition of dopamine reuptake within the synaptic cleft.”[3]

In other words, bupropion can help you quit smoking by providing you with the dopamine your brain is missing during nicotine withdrawals.

Find an Alcohol or Drug Rehab Center Near You

When it comes to alcohol and drug abuse, the effects of these activities can leave a lasting mark on your life. If you or a loved one suffer from a substance use disorder, it’s time to consider professional addiction treatment.

At Rehab Recovery Centers, we can connect you with a top-rated drug or alcohol addiction treatment center near you. Contact us for more information on how to get started.

References:

1. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a606024.html
2. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-updates-label-stop-smoking-drug-chantix-varenicline-include
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528204/.