Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Noticed Arterial Fibrillation After Having Champix. Is It Dangerous?
Hi, similar question to the one below I have recently started Champix (took the 4th dose this morning) and have noticed what I assume to be arterial firbrillation (if I measure my pulse rate- it skips a beat every 17- 21 beats). Is arterial fibrillation particularly dangerous in this context? (I just realised I haven t got an emergency number for my GP)
Wed, 26 Sep 2012
Hi,
Welcome to HCM!
Thanks for posting your query. I am happy to address your questions. Champix tablets contain the active ingredient varenicline, a medicine to give up smoking. It acts in the brain, but is not the same as nicotine replacement therapy. Varenicline is a type of medicine called a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist. This means that it acts on the same receptors in the brain as nicotine.
Varenicline works by stimulating the nicotinic receptors in the brain. This produces an effect that relieves the craving and withdrawal symptoms you can get when you stop smoking. At the same time, varenicline blocks nicotine from acting on the nicotinic receptors. This prevents any nicotine inhaled in tobacco smoke from having a rewarding and enjoyable effect. It has many side effects of which cardiovascular side effects include angina, arrhythmia, bradycardia, ventricular extrasystoles, myocardial infarction, palpitations, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, cardiac flutter. Will recommend you show to your clinician to evaluate the same. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help. Thanks
Welcome to HCM!
Thanks for posting your query. I am happy to address your questions. Champix tablets contain the active ingredient varenicline, a medicine to give up smoking. It acts in the brain, but is not the same as nicotine replacement therapy. Varenicline is a type of medicine called a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist. This means that it acts on the same receptors in the brain as nicotine.
Varenicline works by stimulating the nicotinic receptors in the brain. This produces an effect that relieves the craving and withdrawal symptoms you can get when you stop smoking. At the same time, varenicline blocks nicotine from acting on the nicotinic receptors. This prevents any nicotine inhaled in tobacco smoke from having a rewarding and enjoyable effect. It has many side effects of which cardiovascular side effects include angina, arrhythmia, bradycardia, ventricular extrasystoles, myocardial infarction, palpitations, tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, cardiac flutter. Will recommend you show to your clinician to evaluate the same. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help. Thanks
I find this answer helpful
skipping beats in this way IS NOT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION. that would require a pulse that is completely irregularly irregular and possibly weak and thready. What you descibed are missed beats or ectopics, and are probably a function of the increased mental stimulation your body is going through in the withdrawal process; especially as the chapix stimulates the nicotinic receptors - if you are continuing to smoke AT ALL, this will just make matters worse.
If you develop any chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or sweating, you should visit your emergency room, otherwise, you will be fairly safe in making a non-urgent appointment with your GP.
If you develop any chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness or sweating, you should visit your emergency room, otherwise, you will be fairly safe in making a non-urgent appointment with your GP.
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Varenicline
Loading Online Doctors....