Is Chantix OK to take with high cholesterol?
I have a cholesterol level of 239 which is borderline/high risk. I am not currently on any medication for this high level. My doctor said a healthy diet and lifestyle changes should be enough to lower it. In the meantime, I am going to start taking Chantix, a smoking cessation medication, and I am wondering if this will be OK to take. Any comments or suggestions?
Thanks!!
You all have great responses, and I thank each of you sincerely!! :-) I appreciate it.
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Chantix will not raise your cholesterol level, so you can take it safely. In fact, quitting smoking will lower your cholesterol level and improve your cardiac health and increase arterial tone. If you do decide to take a med, always check with your doctor or pharmacist before continuing Chantix.
I’ve been taking it (on and off) for about a year–it does work, if you don’t mind the insane dreams and phantom smells/sounds. I did find a study showing that in less than 1% of the population, it can impact your cholesterol–but, overall, there appears to be no indication of a cholesterol problem with the medication. here is some info from the chantix website:
Side Effects and Safety
What are the possible side effects of CHANTIX?
The most common side effects of CHANTIX include:
nausea
sleep disturbance (trouble sleeping, changes in dreaming)
constipation
gas
vomiting
Tell your doctor about side effects that bother you or that do not go away.
These are not all the side effects of CHANTIX. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Use caution driving or operating machinery until you know how quitting smoking and/or using CHANTIX may affect you.
What should I tell my doctor before starting CHANTIX?
Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions including if you:
have kidney problems or get kidney dialysis. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of CHANTIX for you.
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. CHANTIX has not been studied in pregnant women. It is not known if CHANTIX will harm your unborn baby. It is best to stop smoking before you get pregnant.
are breastfeeding. Although it was not studied, CHANTIX may pass into breast milk. You and your doctor should discuss alternative ways to feed your baby if you take CHANTIX.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Especially, tell your doctor if you take:
insulin
asthma medicines
blood thinners.
When you stop smoking, there may be a change in how these and other medicines work for you.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them with you to show your doctor and pharmacist.
Chantix may produce some allergic reactions like hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. Chantix can also cause persistent nausea for up to several months.
With regard to cholesterol, your doctor appears to be well informed. There is absolutely no medical evidence at all that high cholesterol causes CHD. In addition to your doctors advice, you might start with Vitamin C and Vitamin B, which combined, have an adverse effect on free radicals which are instrumental in causing narrowing of the arteries.
I add links with details of cholesterol. I also wish you well in your fight against tobacco addiction.
http://www.ravnskov.nu/
cholesterol.html
http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com/
Cholesterol-Myths.html
Hope this helps
matador 89