Quit smoking but risk serious mental side effects
The smoking cessation drugs Chantix (from Pfizer) and Zyban (from GlaxoSmithKline) may be associated with serious mental side effects including: changes in behavior, depressed mood, hostility, and suicidal thoughts.
At first glance, many may discount these as simply being a side effect of nicotine withdrawal since Chantix and Zyban do not replace nicotine, but some people experienced the reported adverse events even while they were still smoking. Nicotine withdrawal side effects include: depression, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and sleep disturbances.
Since the risk of preventable disease and death may be more serious than the risk of these possible side effects, all alternatives should be weighed to decide if Chantix or Zyban should be taken to help quit smoking.
The FDA’s review of nicotine patches did not identify a clear link between nicotine replacement and suicidal events and many smoking cessation products are available over-the-counter, including nicotine patches and gum.
Smoking cessation is more effective when friends and family support the decision to quit. Local support for smokers and families is available though New Jersey Quitnet and The Institute for Prevention at Saint Barnabas.
Copyright © Examiner
