Chantix, Moods And Suicide

Chantix is an unique agent which lowers the desire to smoke cigarettes and actually is successful in the cessation of smoking in roughly 1/2 of those completing treatment. It is the first agent to show real promise in stopping smoking.
I started using Chantix on my patients when it first became available and had to stop after 5 patients complained of sleep disruption and wide mood swings. I later learned it could not be used on individuals on psychiatric medications. This was a true disappointment as I have many patients who smoke and wish to quit. It seems the target area of the brain is too close to where mood medications work.
A report yesterday recomended that Chantix only be used in severe cases due to high risk of suicide. The latest numbers show all persons taking this drug experience mood disorders and depression and that the risks outweigh the benefits. A removal from the market can’t be far behind.
Smoking cost most people 15-20 years off their lives as well as poorer health. The search for a safe treatment continues. Chantix held such promise. Don’t start! Nicotine is highly addictive and very hard to ever stop.