FREE DOWNLOAD: My Chantix notes.

A reader wonders about combining varenicline (CHAMPIX or CHANTIX) and another quit smoking medication

Can I take Champix and wear the patch at the same time?

I can not seem to quit with just one non-smoking aid at a time.

I was successful once before when I took a high daily dosage of Wellbutrin and wore the patch at the same time.

Can I wear the patch and take Champix at the same time? -DW

Dear DW,

First let me remind you that whenever you are considering a medication change or combining meds you should consult with your prescribing physician. This is very important to avoid combining medications that are potentially dangerous.

The problem I see with what you propose is the fact that Champix (varenicline) and the patch (which is essentially nicotine) work on the same receptors in the brain (alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor). So they compete with each other. (Click here to read more). Imagine trying to get inside your house by pulling and pushing on the door at the same time. You wouldn't get you very far right?

Although it is true that Champix won't work for everyone, it would be nice to try it by itself first to determine whether it would work for you or not instead of assuming it wouldn't work. I am not saying that your hunch or your prior experience are wrong. Just suggesting you try it first to be sure.

But here is a question I have for you DW:

You have described a proven method that works for you already(and by proven I mean that there is a study to support it. (Click here to read more), so Why do you want to use Champix to begin with?

What you will find is a New England Journal of Medicine article describing a study combining Wellbutrin (or bupropion) and the nicotine patch. And the study demonstrated that they combination worked extremely well for the patients.

The best part was that patients who used the method you described to quit smoking (nicotine patch + wellbutrin) 35% were found to be still smoke-free after a year (at one year only 23% of Chantix users were smoke free).

The patients who used the nicotine patch and Wellbutrin had the least amount of weight gain too (only 1.1 kg 0r 2.42 pounds).

Read about the Chantix study here.

(Wellbutrin is also sold as Zyban both are trade names for the medication bupropion that has been FDA approved to help quit smoking).

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