The use of varenicline may cause side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away within a few days or become severe.

Common side effects reported when taking varenicline include:

• Dry mouth
  
• Indigestion
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Nausea
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Gas
  

This is not a complete list of adverse effects – though these are the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience symptoms such as swelling, difficulty breathing, rash, weight gain, or hoarseness.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with and any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before taking varenicline. Varenicline can interact with other forms of medication and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding before starting treatment with this medication.

Varenicline is commonly administered as an oral tablet. It is recommended that you set a date and quit smoking 1 week before starting treatment with varenicline.

For adults and young adults over 17, .5 mg of varenicline is prescribed to be taken once a day for the first three days of treatment. After day 3, .5 mg is prescribed to be taken twice a day for the subsequent 3 days (days 4-7). After these first 6 days of treatment, 1 mg of varenicline is prescribed to be taken twice a day until the course of treatment has finished. In most cases, treatment with varenicline lasts for about 12 weeks. This may be adjusted depending on your need.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of varenicline without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Varenicline is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not varenicline is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for varenicline to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.