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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Chantix Contain Nicotine And Can This Be Detected In A Test?

I have been accepted for a new employment opportunity and will be drug tested on December 3rd; not only for illegal substances but for nicotine as well. I am a smoker. This company does not hire smokers so I decided that today, November 24th, is my last day. I don't know if I can do this "cold turkey" and I've heard that Chantix might help.

My question: If I'm free of nicotine for 9 days but take Chantix, will they still be able to detect nicotine? I've been a smoker for more than 30 years.

I'm also not sure if the test will be urine or blood.

Thank you for any response.
Thu, 28 Nov 2013
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

Chantix does not contain nicotine. It contains varenicline which acts on nicotinic receptors in the brain and controls the craving. Chantix will not cause a positive test for nicotine. I also do not expect either nicotine or its metabolites to be detected after nine days of abstinence in the usual drug tests, though there are highly sensitive tests available which can detect the presence of nicotine for up to three months after use. If you use Chantix, remember if will take a few days to start showing its effects in controlling craving. That is why, it is best started a few days before quitting.

Hope this is of help. Best wishes.
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Does Chantix Contain Nicotine And Can This Be Detected In A Test?

Hi, Chantix does not contain nicotine. It contains varenicline which acts on nicotinic receptors in the brain and controls the craving. Chantix will not cause a positive test for nicotine. I also do not expect either nicotine or its metabolites to be detected after nine days of abstinence in the usual drug tests, though there are highly sensitive tests available which can detect the presence of nicotine for up to three months after use. If you use Chantix, remember if will take a few days to start showing its effects in controlling craving. That is why, it is best started a few days before quitting. Hope this is of help. Best wishes.