How long has chantix been on the market?

If you’ve ever tried to quit smoking, chances are you’ve heard of Chantix. This prescription medication has been marketed as a way to help smokers break their addiction to cigarettes. But how long has it actually been on the market? Let’s delve into the history of this drug and find out.

The Dawn of Chantix

Chantix, also known by its generic name Varenicline, was first approved by the FDA in May 2006. That means that it has officially been available for over 15 years now! Back then, quitting smoking was all the rage (just like avocado toast is today), and plenty of people were looking for ways to kick their nicotine habit.

So What Exactly Is It?

For those who aren’t familiar with Chantix, it’s a medication that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking. The active ingredient in Chantix works by binding to nicotine receptors in your brain, blocking them from being activated by actual nicotine. This means that if you do try to smoke while taking Chantix, you won’t get as much pleasure from it as you normally would.

Sounding Off: Side Effects

As with any medication, there are some potential side effects associated with taking Chantix. Some users have reported experiencing nausea, dizziness, or even changes in behavior or mood (yikes). However, many people don’t experience any significant adverse effects while taking this drug – so if quitting smoking is important enough to you, these risks might be worth it!

Does It Really Work?

Now here’s an important question – does Chantix actually work? According to studies conducted during its approval process back in 2006-07…it worked pretty darn well! In fact, one study showed that after just 12 weeks of treatment, up to 44% of people using Chantix were able to quit smoking for good.

Fun Fact: How Chantix Stacks Up Against Other Quitting Aids

According to the American Cancer Society, Chantix is one of the most effective medications available for helping people quit smoking. It actually works better than other prescription options like bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy (like gum or patches). So if you’re looking for a tool that’s likely to give you your best shot at quitting for good…Chantix might be worth considering!

The Controversy Surrounding Chantix

Of course, no medication is perfect – especially when it comes to something as controversial (and deadly) as smoking! Over the years, various reports have emerged linking Chantix with some pretty negative outcomes. Here are just a few examples:

  • In 2008, the FDA announced that it would be adding warnings about suicidal thoughts and behavior related to taking Chantix.
  • In 2016, a study published in Plos ONE found that users of Varenicline had an increased risk of cardiovascular events compared to those not taking any cessation aids.
  • More recently in early 2021 , Pfizer somewhat boldly wiped away previous safety cautions associated with serious neuropsychiatric side effects on their drug’s label – particularly prior warnings concerning ideation and suicide attempts.

So what does all this mean? Of course these are serious concerns but they don’t necessarily negate each individual case where someone could benefit from using chantix so who knows?

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion…how long has Chantix been on the market? For over fifteen years now. And while there’s definitely controversy surrounding its safety and efficacy…it remains one popular option among many smokers trying desperately break free from addiction.

Whether or not it’s the right tool for you is something best discussed with your doctor, but it’s definitely worth considering if quitting smoking is a priority.

So go ahead and give Chantix a try – at the very least, you’ll have an epic (and itching)-sounding name to bring up in conversations until uh,maybe reconsider.

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