Smoking Cessation Drug May Cause Problems [health]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers using a medication doctors prescribe to help people stop smoking may cause behavioral changes, depression and even suicide. The federal agency said that Chantix is effective in helping people kick their cigarette habit but may pose serious mental health issues.

Chantix has been approved for use since May 2006 and amazingly enough can block the effects of nicotine in a smoker's brain if the smoker resumes smoking. That effect reportedly enables people to avoid smoking because neurological effects are neutralized. Now there is concern that Chantix also causes serious neurological effects beyond blocking nicotine's effects.

The FDA is working with Pfizer, Inc (NYSE: PFE) to create a patient guide and to change the medication's labeling so that warnings about the drug's use are more prominent. "Health care professionals should closely monitor patients for behavior and mood changes if they are taking this drug," said Dr. Bob Rappaport of the FDA in a statement.

Consumers were also cautioned to tell their physician about any history of psychiatric illness or changes in mood or behavior after using the drug.

Labels: Chantix, FDA, healthcare, Pfizer

posted by George Bounacos at 11:35 AM |