Quit-smoking aid may cause depression
Canadians who have made New Year’s resolutions to quit smoking should be careful about what types of smoking-cessation aids they choose, as Health Canada warned consumers Tuesday about the depressive side-effects from a certain product.
Health Canada issued a reminder to Canadians who are taking, or considering taking, the smoking-cessation aid called Champix, saying the drug has a risk of “serious psychiatric adverse effects.”
The federal health agency says it is still in the process of creating stronger wording on product labels to warn consumers of the risks.
“While Champix can be an effective tool for quitting smoking when used as part of a support program, there have been reports in some patients of unusual feelings of agitation, depressed mood, hostility, changes in behaviour, or impulsive or disturbing thoughts such as thoughts of self-harm or harm to others,” the agency stated in a news release Tuesday.
It is unclear at this time whether Champix is the cause of these psychiatric symptoms, Health Canada said.
Health Canada suggests those taking the drug should be aware of any unusual thoughts, especially those related to depression, aggression or self-harm.
Patients should stop the drug immediately if there are such concerns.
Health Canada says it is currently working with Pfizer, the manufacturer of Champix, to update the prescribing information to reflect current safety information.
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