Weight Gain and Chantix

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Weight Gain and Chantix

Question:

I started taking Chantix two months ago. I'm worried about gaining weight. Is that one of the side effects?

Answer:

People who quit smoking almost always gain a little weight. The average weight gain is 6 to 8 pounds.

Whether you use Chantix, Zyban (bupropion, Wellbutrin), or quit cold turkey, weight gain is about the same. So the Chantix is unlikely to add to the pounds you may be putting on.

Chantix is the first new anti-smoking drug approved in the last 10 years. Chantix causes a slow, steady release of the chemical dopamine in the brain. This acts on the nicotine receptors in the brain to reduce both the craving for nicotine and the nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

The one side effect that is worrisome with Chantix is depressed mood. For some people, this can be significant. Depression can affect appetite and desire for food -– in either direction.

With nicotine replacement using patches, gum or lozenges, the weight gain may be less pronounced at first. Nicotine raises metabolism, no matter what route it enters your body. But as a person weans off the nicotine replacement, weight will rise just as much as if you quit by other means.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009