Varenicline Tablets (Generic Champix) - Smoking Cessation

Buy varenicline tablets

You can buy varenicline tablets as long as they've been approved and prescribed by one of our clinicians.

Varenicline tablets are a nicotine-free prescription treatment designed to help adults stop smoking for good.

Varenicline is the unbranded, generic version of Champix, which was discontinued in 2021. Fortunately, unbranded varenicline is still widely available and works in exactly the same way.

How does varenicline work?

Varenicline partially activates the nicotine receptors in your brain, which helps to take the edge off cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

At the same time, it blocks nicotine from fully binding to those receptors, so if you do smoke while taking it, the effect will be blunted. Over time, this combination makes it much easier to break the habit and stay smoke-free.

Varenicline dosage

Varenicline comes in two tablet strengths: a white 0.5mg tablet and a blue 1mg tablet. You start on the lower dose to let your body adjust, then build up to the full dose in week two.

The standard maintenance dose is a 1mg tablet twice a day, which you'll continue for the full 12-week course.

How long does varenicline take to work?

Varenicline starts working in your body from day one, and after several days, you may notice that you're craving fewer cigarettes.

It takes a couple of weeks to build up to its full effect, which is why you don't need to stop smoking straight away. You set your quit date during week two of treatment, giving the medication time to be at its most effective before you take that big step.

How effective is varenicline for stopping smoking?

Varenicline is one of the most effective stop-smoking treatments available. Clinical studies have shown that people taking varenicline are significantly more likely to quit successfully compared to those using a placebo, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), or bupropion alone.

How to take varenicline

When you start your course, you should decide on a date in the second week of treatment (between day eight and day 14) when you'll stop smoking.

If you're not able to set a quit date within the first two weeks, you can choose your own target quit date within five weeks of starting treatment. Write this date on the pack as a reminder.

Swallow each tablet whole, with water, with or without food.

The table below shows your dosing schedule for the first two weeks. After that, you'll continue taking 1mg twice daily for weeks three to 12 to complete the full treatment course.

How does varenicline make you feel?

Everyone's experience is different, but many people notice a reduced urge to smoke within the first week or two. Some people also find that smoking starts to feel less enjoyable, which is the medication doing exactly what it's supposed to.

How much does varenicline cost?

At the time of writing, the cost of varenicline is:

• Two-week starter pack: £30.99
• Four-week starter pack: £59.99
• 1mg x two weeks: £30.99
• 1mg x four weeks: £59.99
• 1mg x six weeks: £89.99
• 1mg x 10 weeks: £144.99

Varenicline side effects

Like all medicines, varenicline can cause side effects in some people, though not everyone will experience them.

Very common (may affect more than one in 10 people):

• inflammation of the nose and throat
• abnormal dreams
• difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• headaches
• nausea

Common (may affect up to one in 10 people):

• chest infection
• inflammation of the sinuses
• increased or decreased appetite
• increased weight
• tiredness
• dizziness
• changes in the way things taste
• shortness of breath
• cough
• heartburn
• vomiting
• constipation
• diarrhoea
• feeling bloated
• wind
• abdominal pain
• toothache
• indigestion
• dry mouth
• skin rash
• itching
• joint ache, muscle ache, or back pain
• chest pain

Most side effects are mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Taking your tablets with food and water can help with nausea.

Who shouldn't take varenicline?

• Do not take varenicline if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients.
• Varenicline is only suitable for those aged 18 and over.
• Always tell your prescriber if you’re taking/using any other medicines.
• Varenicline can increase the effects of alcohol, so it's best to avoid drinking while you're taking it.
• Varenicline can cause dizziness and drowsiness in some people. Don't drive or operate machinery if you're affected.
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you shouldn’t take varenicline as there isn't enough evidence about its safety. Smoking while pregnant or breastfeeding can cause complications for you and your baby, so we recommend talking to your GP or a prescriber to discuss your options.

For further information on warnings, please refer to the patient information leaflet.

How to store your treatment

Keep your varenicline tablets in a cool, dry place, out of sight and reach from children. Don't use them after the expiry date printed on the packaging, and don't dispose of them via household waste or wastewater.

Alternatives to varenicline

If varenicline isn't the right fit for you, there are other stop smoking treatments that can still give you a real chance of quitting for good.

• NRT (nicotine replacement therapy): Works by giving your body a low, steady dose of nicotine without the harmful chemicals in cigarettes, helping to ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It's available in several forms, like patches, gum, and lozenges, so you can find what works best for you.
• Bupropion (Zyban): Works by affecting the chemicals in your brain linked to cravings and withdrawal, helping to reduce the urge to smoke. It's a prescription medication that works differently to varenicline but can be just as effective for some people.
• Cytisine: Works in a similar way to varenicline by binding to the same receptors in the brain that nicotine targets, reducing cravings and making smoking less satisfying. It's a plant-based medication that's been used in parts of Europe for decades and is becoming more widely available in the UK.

Frequently asked questions about varenicline

Is varenicline the same as cytisine?

Varenicline and cytisine aren't the same, but they work in a very similar way, targeting the same receptors in the brain that nicotine binds to. The main differences are that cytisine is plant-based and has been around longer. One of our clinicians can help you decide which one might suit you best.

Can you take bupropion and varenicline together?

Taking both bupropion and varenicline together isn't usually the first approach, but some research suggests that combining the two may actually help more people quit than taking just one on its own.

It’s usually for people who have found one treatment ineffective, or for highly dependent smokers. It's not right for everyone, though, so talk to your prescriber as they'll be able to advise whether it's a suitable option for you.

Do you still smoke while taking varenicline?

Yes, you can carry on smoking when you first start taking varenicline. You'll usually set a quit date around two weeks in, giving the medication time to build up in your system and start reducing your cravings.

Sources

• Patient Information Leaflet. MHRA. [Accessed 16th March 2026].
• NHS Rolls Out Stop Smoking Pill to Help Tens of Thousands Quit. (2024). NHS England. [Accessed 16th March 2026].
• Common Questions About Varenicline. (2025). NHS. [Accessed 16th March 2026].
• Varenicline in the Treatment of Tobacco Dependence. (2008). PMC. [Accessed 16th March 2026].
• Quit with Nicotine-Free Medicines. NHS. [Accessed 16th March 2026].
• Varenicline and Bupropion Combination Therapy for Smoking Cessation. (2009). PubMed. [Accessed 16th March 2026].
• Combination Therapy of Varenicline and Bupropion. (2019). PubMed. [Accessed 16th March 2026].