Stop Smoking Medication - Precautions You Must Take Champix varenicline is a prescription only smoking cessation aid by Pfizer pharmaceuticals. Champix helps smokers quit by easing out the painful nicotine withdrawal symptoms and by reducing the pleasure a smoker derives from smoking. The best part of Varenicline is that unlike many other smoking cessation aids, Champix does not contain nicotine and hence is not addictive. Champix was approved by the FDA in May 2006. In a span of few years, Champix has successfully helped thousands of smokers to quit smoking forever. Numerous clinical trials have shown that varenicline is a safe and effective drug when used with proper precautions. Varenicline - the active ingredient in Champix is sold by the trade name of Chantix in the USA and Champix in Europe and other countries. Varenicline works best in people with a determination to quit and when used in conjunction with counseling and support of friends and family members. Define Champix varenicline Champix varenicline works as a nicotine receptor antagonist. Varenicline, the active ingredient in Champix, attaches itself to the nicotine receptors in the brain. By stimulating the nicotine receptors Varenicline mimics the effects of taking nicotine and thus fools the brain into thinking that it has received its dose of nicotine. The action of Varenicline fulfils the brain's craving for a cigarette without being fed one. Hence, a person on Champix will not have to undergo painful nicotine withdrawal symptoms as his urge for smoking will be practically satisfied. Another great advantage of Champix varenicline as a smoking cessation aid is that it reduces the pleasure derived from smoking. Champix (varenicline) blocks nicotine from acting on its receptors hence even if a person smokes, he will not receive the satisfaction he used to get earlier. This property of varenicline greatly helps a smoker to quit, especially those who are inclined to steal a puff at times. Precautions to take before using Champix varenicline Champix varenicline is a prescription only drug that is proven to be a safe and effective smoking cessation aid when used with caution. Listed here are necessary precautions to take before using Varenicline as a quit smoking drug: