What Is Varenicline? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Varenicline is a prescription medication used primarily to help people quit smoking. It was originally sold under the brand name Chantix by Pfizer (now discontinued), but generic varenicline is widely available in 2026. It is also available as a nasal spray (Tyrvaya) for the treatment of dry eye disease — a completely separate indication. This guide focuses on the oral tablet form used for smoking cessation.

What Is Varenicline Used For?

The FDA-approved uses of oral varenicline are:

Smoking cessation: Helping adults (17 years and older) stop smoking as part of a comprehensive program that may include counseling and education

Varenicline is endorsed as a first-line treatment for tobacco dependence by the American Thoracic Society, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and multiple other clinical organizations. Clinical studies show it more than doubles the odds of quitting compared to placebo and is more effective than both nicotine patches and bupropion.

What Does Varenicline Come As?

Oral varenicline tablets are available in two strengths:

0.5 mg tablets — used during the first week (titration phase)

1 mg tablets — the maintenance dose used from week 2 onward

A starter kit combining both strengths is available at some pharmacies for the first two weeks of treatment, though it may not be stocked everywhere. Both individual strengths are more widely available than the combination kit.

How Do You Take Varenicline? (Dosing Schedule)

Varenicline is taken by mouth after eating, with a full glass of water. The standard titration schedule helps reduce side effects (especially nausea):

Days 1-3: 0.5 mg once daily

Days 4-7: 0.5 mg twice daily (morning and evening)

Day 8 through end of treatment: 1 mg twice daily (morning and evening)

You can continue smoking during the first week of treatment — varenicline takes time to build up to effective levels in your blood. Set a quit date between days 8 and 35 of treatment. If you're not ready to quit on a fixed date, you can use a "gradual quit" approach: reduce smoking by 50% in the first 4 weeks, reduce by another 50% in weeks 5-8, and aim for complete abstinence by week 12.

How Long Do You Take Varenicline?

The standard course of treatment is 12 weeks. If you successfully quit smoking by week 12, your doctor may recommend an additional 12-week course (totaling 24 weeks) to help you maintain abstinence. Clinical guidelines support extended treatment, as longer courses are associated with higher long-term quit rates. Varenicline can be stopped abruptly — there is no need to taper the dose.

Who Should Not Take Varenicline?

Varenicline is not appropriate for:

Patients under 17 years of age — efficacy not established in children 16 and under

Patients with a known serious hypersensitivity to varenicline

Patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) — requires dose adjustment

Use caution (discuss with your doctor) if you have: a history of seizures, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, a history of psychiatric conditions, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Is Varenicline a Controlled Substance?

No. Varenicline is not a controlled substance and is not classified by the DEA under any schedule. It can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber — including primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and telehealth providers — without special licensing. There are no restrictions on refills beyond your insurer's quantity limits.

Where Can I Get Varenicline?

Generic varenicline is available with a prescription at most major pharmacies in 2026. If you're having trouble locating it, medfinder can contact pharmacies on your behalf and text you results. Also see our guide on

how to save money on varenicline to ensure you're getting the best price.