This page presents data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and the FDA-approved drug label. A report submitted to FAERS does not prove a drug caused the reported event. Always consult a healthcare provider about medications.

Varenicline (varenicline tartrate)

Last updated: June 20, 2026

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Varenicline is the brand name for varenicline tartrate. According to the FDA-approved label, Varenicline tablet is indicated for use as an aid to smoking cessation treatment. Varenicline tablet is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist indicated for use as an aid to smoking cessation treatment. ( 1 and 2.1 ). FAERS contains 79,359 submissions naming this drug from 2006 through 2026; the top three reactions cited are nausea, depression, and abnormal dreams.

Most-Reported Reactions

Counts of the reactions most often cited in FAERS submissions that named Varenicline. Inclusion here does not establish causation - submitters describe what was observed, not what was confirmed. One submission can list several reactions, so the totals exceed the report count.

Patient Demographics

Patient sex and age across the FAERS submissions that named Varenicline. Percentages here are computed only from submissions where these fields were filled in - many leave them blank.

By Sex

By Age Group

Severity Outcomes

Severity flags recorded across the 79,359 FAERS submissions that named Varenicline. Each bar shows the count of those reports carrying that flag. A single case can carry more than one (a hospitalization that became life-threatening, for example), so these bars are independent rates - they don't sum to 100%. Inclusion of a case under any flag does not establish that the drug caused the outcome.

Submissions Per Quarter

Quarterly count of FAERS submissions that named Varenicline. Ups and downs on this chart can track prescribing volume, news cycles, or shifts in how reports get filed, rather than the drug becoming safer or more dangerous.

From the FDA-Approved Label

Excerpts from the official FDA-approved prescribing information for Varenicline. This is the authoritative source on indications, warnings, and known adverse reactions.

Indications

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Varenicline tablet is indicated for use as an aid to smoking cessation treatment. Varenicline tablet is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist indicated for use as an aid to smoking cessation treatment. ( 1 and 2.1 )

Adverse Reactions (from label)

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions were reported in postmarketing experience and are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events including Suicidality [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Interaction with Alcohol [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Accidental Injury [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Cardiovascular Events [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Somnambulism [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Angioedema and Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Serious Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] In the placebo-controlled premarketing studies, the most common adverse events associated with varenicline tablets (>5% and twice the rate seen in placebo-treated patients) were nausea, abnormal (vivid, unusual, or strange) dreams, constipation, flatulence, and vomiting. The treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse events in patients dosed with 1 mg twice daily was 12% for varenicline tablets, compared to 10% for placebo in studies of three months’ treatment. (continues in label)

FDA label effective date: 2026-01-19

Disclaimer

AdverseEvent.ai is not affiliated with the FDA. Adverse-event counts come from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Drug labels come from the FDA drug label dataset. A report submitted to FAERS does not prove a drug caused the reported event — always consult a healthcare provider about medications. This site is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.