Chantix increases suicide risk ; Drug to help smokers quit.

[liberalnurse]

The other day, a Thread was started asking about the effectiveness of Chantix. I chimed in that I was in the hospital lunch room a few days prior and the discussion of Chiantix was of issue. Rumor had it by the nurses then that the users of Chiantix had a higher risk of completing suicide.

So, I finally got around to researching the news on this.


http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=41662§ionid=3510210

FDA officials have warned that Pfizer Inc's anti-smoking drug Chantix (varenicline) is linked to potentially serious psychiatric risks.


According to the FDA Public Health Advisory, Chantix can cause behavioral changes, agitation, depression and suicidal thoughts particularly in individuals with pre-existing psychiatric conditions.

According to the statement a total of 39 patients using the drug have committed suicide. In addition, more than 491 incidents of suicidal thoughts and behaviors were reported following the use of Chantix.

FDA officials have asked Pfizer to add a new safety warning section on the drugs labeling indicating its potential neuropsychiatric effects.

They have also advised patients to inform their doctors of previous psychiatric conditions before starting the drug.

Another link:

http://www.pharmatimes.com/WorldNews/article.aspx?id=12775

[Tammie]

1. I stopped taking Chantix after one month

My mood and thoughts turned so dark though I was still rational. I kept telling myself that it was the drug making me so dreary and it would go away once I got used to the drug. But the dark thoughts got worse each day until one day I thought that the world is so messed up that I wouldn't mind skipping the next 20-30 years and just move on to the next world. Not sure if that qualifies as suicidal ideation but right then and there I decided to quit taking it. And the more I was getting upset each day the more I smoked!!!!! I think I smoked twice as much while I was on Chantix. I know it works for a lot of people but it's something to be very careful with.

[liberalnurse]

2. I never had much hope for the "magic pill" approach.

I support using the tapering detox method. Go on the patch, reducing dose program with using the inhaler....eventually, the inhaler period use then gets so infrequent, they forget they have it in their purse or pocket....

[Mojorabbit]

8. The exact same thing happened to me. n/t

[jakem]

3. Suicide does reduce the urge to smoke...

[October]

4. I was biting my tongue

Same thought.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

5. i have a friend who had a difficult time with it

horrible dreams apparently and an inability to focus on tasks. I don't know about suicidal thoughts but I do know that he decided smoking would be less risk to himself than the Chantix...read into that what you will!

On another interesting note, my friend all but BEGGED for Wellbutrin due to hearing of successes with that...however the Doc just insisted that he give Chantix a run...must be a kickback somewhere in there...

sP

[liberalnurse]

6. The pharmaceutical sales reps are really, really good

at what they do. I don't think it's about kick backs in the average medical office.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

7. but shouldn't a Dr spend a little time and do some research

before recommending something like this? I mean, I know they cannot keep up with every freaking drug out there...but when actually PUSHING something on someone, it would make sense to be able to say, "I have explored this drug option and it seems the best for you." It would seem that the Dr just took the pharma-rep's word for it and started pushing it. Why would they do something like that?

sP

[EOTE]

9. I couldn't tell you.

I have a smoker friend who has been battling with depression recently. Her psychiatrist has recommended Chantix to her and mentioned NOTHING about the possible side effects. It seems to me that that's incredibly negligent. I wouldn't doubt if some of these doctors are getting lots of pressure. I don't know what it is, but it sure seems to stink to me.

[hisownpetard]

12. Why? How about catered lunches every day of the week from a restaurant of their

choosing, box seat tickets to hockey games, front row tickets to the Knicks and
any Broadway play they have an inkling to see?

[liberalnurse]

13. The information they receive from the drug rep IS the research

available. These presentations are detailed....ususally includes lunch too. O8)

[ProdigalJunkMail]

14. just seems like anytime a NEW drug hits the market

doctors immediately start pushing it...something just seems amiss here...

sP

[tridim]

16. Wellbutrin did the same thing to me that Chantix apparently does to others

I'm a laid back kind of guy, and after about 3 days on Wellbutrin I was screaming random stuff at strangers from my car window. It was scary as hell.

A combination of the patch and lozenges worked for me.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

17. wow...maybe drugs of this class/nature should not be

prescribed for this sort of use...sounds like there is a no win going on here...i and very thankful that i have managed to avoid needing to quit (i never really started)...

sP

[xiamiam]

10. a friend who quit had similar nightmares...dark horrible nightmares so he cut the dosage in half

and proceeded to quit

[leeroysphitz]

11. Some anecdotal evidence and some advice.

I'm currently on my third (final) month of the drug Chantix. I've smoked heavily for many years.
I've been smoke free since the second week on the drug. Chantix worked, for me, better than I could possibly have expected. Quitting, so far, has been nearly effortless. I've only had two brief bouts of serious cravings both of which I managed to successfully overcome.

Due to the effortlessness with which I was able to cease smoking I have high hopes that once my three month course is finished I will remain smoke free permanently.

I have not experienced any of the common side effects. Dreams, mood, both normal, no nausea etc...

The data that has and is coming out concerning the risks involved with Chantix are disturbing but as I am nearly done with the course I feel it's best if I finish.

For those considering the drug I would suggest that if it treats you successfully then it may be a risk worth taking especially if you are willing to work very closely with your doctor, being mindful of the potential side effects and how to spot them early.

I'm smoke free due entirely to the effectiveness of this medicine, I would hate to see people who could benefit from it not at least look into it.

[hootinholler]

15. So, if a smoker on Chantix commits suicide...

Is that counted as successfully quitting?

-Hoot