Print Print
CKS is no longer commissioned by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). NICE remains committed to providing a replacement service for CKS and is currently reviewing its options. In the meantime, although CKS content is now not being maintained, it still remains relevant and will continue to be made available. CKS content was generated under a programme of topic creation and update. To check if the topic you are viewing is current or out of date, please refer to the topic publication details by clicking on the 'How up-to-date is this topic?' link in the left hand menu on individual topic pages.

Smoking cessation - Management
What important adverse effects are associated with varenicline?

  • The most common adverse effect is mild-to-moderate nausea, which usually occurs early in the treatment period.
  • Other common adverse effects include headache, insomnia, abnormal dreams, increased appetite, somnolence, dizziness, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal distension and discomfort, dyspepsia, flatulence, dry mouth, and fatigue.
  • Varenicline may cause dizziness and somnolence, and therefore may influence the ability to drive and use machines. Advise the person not to drive, operate complex machinery, or engage in other potentially hazardous activities until it is known whether varenicline affects their ability to perform these activities.
  • There have been reports of depression and suicidal ideation associated with the use of varenicline. Prescribers are advised that:
    • Patients should be told to stop treatment and contact their doctor immediately if they develop suicidal thoughts or behaviour.
    • Varenicline should be stopped immediately if agitation, depressed mood, or changes in behaviour are observed that are of concern to the patient, family, or caregivers.
    • The safety and efficacy of varenicline in people with serious psychiatric illness have not been established. Patients who have a history of psychiatric illness should be monitored closely while taking varenicline.

In depth

© NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement