Chantix Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. But Chantix (varenicline) is an oral prescription medication that may help. And you’re more likely to successfully quit smoking if you take Chantix correctly. In this guide, we’ll review the approved Chantix dosages for adults (note: Chantix isn’t approved for people under 18). 

Keep in mind that your dose of Chantix may differ from what’s covered below. So it’s best to follow your healthcare provider’s directions and reach out to them with any questions you have about taking Chantix.

What’s the typical Chantix dosage for adults?

Chantix is FDA approved to help adults quit smoking. The recommended Chantix dosage for adults starts with one 0.5 mg tablet daily for 3 days. Then, you’ll increase your dose to 0.5 mg twice daily for 4 days. After that, you’ll increase your dose to 1 mg twice daily for a total of 12 weeks. 

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How to take Chantix

You should take Chantix after a meal with a full glass of water. Your healthcare provider may have you stay on a lower dose if any side effects bother you.

It’s recommended that you continue smoking during the first week of taking Chantix. This way, Chantrix will have time to start working before you quit.

In some cases, your provider may have you set a date to stop smoking. You’ll start taking Chantix 1 week before that date and stop smoking on that day. 

If you know that quitting smoking abruptly won’t work for you, there’s another option, you can stop smoking gradually while you’re taking Chantix. Your goal should be to smoke 50% less within the first 4 weeks of taking Chantix. Then, you’ll cut the amount you smoke in half again over the next 4 weeks and try to quit completely by the end of your 12-week course. 

For example, if you typically smoke 20 cigarettes a day, your goal should be to cut that down to 10 a day over the first 4 weeks, 5 a day over the second 4 weeks, and 0 over the final 4-week period. 

After 12 weeks, your provider may recommend a second 12-week course of Chantix if you’re responding well to the medication. This helps increase the chance you won’t start smoking again.

Good to know: Brand-name Chantix was voluntarily recalled in 2021 due to an impurity. The manufacturer hasn’t resumed production. But varenicline, the generic version of Chantix, is still available and safe to take (according to the FDA).

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

Your Chantix dosage isn’t affected by your age or liver problems. But if you have severe kidney problems, a lower dosage of 0.5 mg twice daily is recommended for the full 12 weeks. And if you have kidney failure that requires dialysis, the maximum recommended Chantix dosage is 0.5 mg once daily. Your healthcare provider will help determine the best Chantix dosage for your needs. 

What happens if you miss a dose of Chantix?

If you miss a dose of Chantix, take it as soon as you remember. But skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for your next one. You shouldn’t take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Since your Chantix dosage changes over the first week, it may help to write out your dosing schedule on a calendar to help you remember it. Chantix also comes in a dosing pack that’s designed to help you take it properly. Ask your healthcare provider about prescribing the dosing pack if you think it could help you. Just keep in mind that you’ll need two prescriptions — one for the first month (when you’re slowly increasing your dosage) and one for the next 2 months (once you’ve reached the recommended dosage).

What should you do if you take too much Chantix?

If you accidentally take an extra dose of Chantix, it’s unlikely to cause you any harm. But it may increase the risk of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, or abnormal dreams.

If you or a loved one takes a large amount of Chantix, more serious side effects are possible. It’s best to contact your healthcare provider or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for instructions. But if symptoms seem severe or life-threatening after a Chantix overdose, seek emergency care right away.

How to save on Chantix

GoodRx can help you save over 55% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic varenicline’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $44.69 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Justin DeFlorian, PharmD, BCPS

Justin DeFlorian, PharmD, BCPS, is a board-certified clinical pharmacist. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Daphne Berryhill, RPh

Daphne Berryhill, RPh, has two decades of experience as a clinical pharmacist. She spent most of her career in the Chicago area practicing in-home infusion.

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