Chantix and Alcohol
Chantix, also known as Varenicline, is a medication that is highly effective at reducing nicotine cravings. Even so, there could be adverse side effects when the medication is mixed with other substances including alcohol.
Behavioral Considerations
Chantix often causes behavior changes that include increased aggression, extreme anger, and hostility. Some people also report having severe depression or thoughts of suicide while taking this medication. When Chantix and alcohol are taken together, these mood and behavioral changes are more severe than they would be if the patient did not consume spirits. For that reason, most doctors recommend that patients do not drink while they are taking this medication, especially if they are currently suffering from depression or mental illness.
Hallucinations
Some people report having hallucinations or extremely vivid dreams while they are taking Chantix. These seem to increase whenever this medication is taken with alcohol.
Patients who drink while undergoing treatment may experience hallucinations, yet not be able to remember them later. In some cases, vivid dreams and hallucinations may persist even after a patient stops using Chantix and alcohol at the same time, which could make it impossible to continue with this type of treatment plan.
Depression
Patients who are chronically depressed before starting a Chantix regimen may also suffer ill effects from alcohol. They seem to be at a higher risk of developing hallucinations than members of the general public are. This is true not only of those with depression, but other mental health disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In these instances, it could be a good idea to try other smoking-cessation therapies instead. This is because depressed patients are more likely to drink alcohol and suffer adverse reactions as a result of doing so.
Confusion and Memory Loss
Many people who consume Chantix and alcohol report being confused about where they are or what they are doing. Some even report going out for a night on the town and then find they are unable to recall events of the evening. This seems to happen even if small amounts of alcohol are consumed.
Confusion and temporary amnesia can result from consuming light alcohol such as beer or wine as well as drinking hard liquor. Those who find themselves confused or unable to recall certain events may also be more prone to suicidal thoughts or depression while taking Chantix.
Other Signs of an Interactions
Drinking alcohol during Chantix treatment can increase the likelihood of nausea or vomiting. In some instances, patients may also experience swelling in the facial area shortly after consuming alcohol. More often than not, a reaction caused by concurrent use of this medication and alcohol is mental rather than physical. Patients who drink while taking this medication may become easily agitated and prone to fighting or other aggressive behavior. This can happen even if the person does not otherwise experience these mood swings while taking Chantix.
Chantix affects everyone differently, so there is no way to know how a person might react to taking this medication. As such, it is important to take the proper precautions, which includes abstaining from alcohol during treatment.
