Side-effects of Chantix prompt new legislation
Pilots, air traffic controllers, truckers and bus drivers are now legally prohibited from taking Chantix while working. While Pfizer attempts to counter growing concerns over its smoking cessation drug, both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the FAA have released new statements banning the use of Chantix while operating planes, trucks, and buses.
Since its release in 2006, Chantix has been blamed for nearly 1,000 significant events reported to the FDA including serious accidents and falls, potentially lethal cardiac rhythm disturbances, severe skin reactions, acute myocardial infarction, seizures, diabetes, psychosis, aggression, and suicide. To top it off there have been 420 confirmed reports of mood changes, including anxiety, nervousness, depressed mood, tension, and suicidal behavior or suicidal thoughts.
Chantix does work pretty well in helping people stop smoking, but the concerns are mounting and the risks are certainly appearing to outweigh the benefits. Clearly, stopping smoking is extremely important, but there are other methods that have worked for many people, such as nicotine replacement patches and the antidepressant Wellbutrin. Finding a friend or co-worker who also wants to quit markedly improves motivation and increases the chances of success.
For those who elect to start or continue on Chantix, the recently published warning from the FDA and Pfizer should definitely be heeded: ”If either you, your family or caregiver notice agitation, depressed mood, or changes in behavior that are not typical for you, or if you have suicidal thoughts or actions, stop taking Chantix and call your doctor right away.”
via CBS11TV.com, May 2008
via MedPage Today , May 21, 2008
via FDA, May 16, 2008
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I knew a guy who had depression. His doctor put him on Chantix to help stop smoking. When I heard about this info, I immdiately informed him about it. How scary is that.