Who can and cannot take varenicline

Most adults can take varenicline.

Varenicline is not suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, tell your doctor before starting to take varenicline if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to varenicline or any of the ingredients in it
• have kidney problems
• have ever had problems with your heart
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have ever had a seizure or fit

Varenicline can also cause or make some conditions worse. These include:

• depression and other mental health conditions
• sleep problems such as insomnia
• abnormal dreams

This is not common but talk to a doctor before taking varenicline.