Champix Stop Smoking Drug

Can taking Champix to stop smoking cause suicide?

2009-09-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

Can Champix cause suicide?

Champix (Chantix in the US) has been linked to suicide, suicidal thoughts, and changes in mood or behavior. It is believed that Champix could aggravate an underlying psychiatric condition, or make a known condition worse. It is very important that you discuss your concerns about this potential side effect with your doctor before even trying Champix. It is also important that if you feel like you are beginning to experience changes in mood or behavior, especially if you begin to have suicidal thoughts or behaviors, that you contact your doctor immediately, even going to the emergency room if necessary. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors should always be taken seriously.

In the US, Champix (Chantix) has received the black box warning by the FDA, which is the highest warning a drug can receive by the FDA. The FDA believes that the link between Champix and suicidal thoughts and behaviors is stronger than they originally thought, which is why they are suggesting the black box warning be placed on all Champix and Chantix boxes.

Does this mean that Champix will cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors in everyone? No, it does not. The FDA is requiring more studies be done by Pfizer in order to determine whether the risk of psychiatric changes in patients without psychiatric conditions exists. Until the studies confirm the risk to those without psychiatric conditions, caution should still be exercised when taking Champix. Of course even if the study confirms that patients without psychiatric conditions are not at risk, it is always important to discuss the drug with your doctor and to monitor yourself and anyone else you know who is taking Champix for changes in behavior or mood.

Champix does have side effects and can interact with other drugs.

2009-09-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Champix is a prescription stop smoking drug, which means that it is possible it could interact with other drugs you are currently taking. You should always consult with your doctor when thinking about trying a new drug.

When you go to the doctor to ask about Champix, make sure you tell him or her about all the medications you are using, even over-the-counter herbs. Champix could interact with them.

If you have a mood or psychiatric disorder, whether you are currently being treated for it or not, make sure you tell your doctor. Potential side effects of Champix include changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions. These symptoms might occur as soon as you start taking Champix, or they might begin a couple of weeks after you start taking it. They could also continue for a couple of weeks after stopping Champix because the drug will need some time to completely leave your system.

Some people feel that the risks of the side-effects of Champix are worth it just because they have tried quitting smoking so many times and failed. Champix might give them the edge they needed in order to finally quit. As long as you are being monitored by a physician, he or she will be able to tell you if the side-effects are normal and if they will go away over time. If you experience any odd thoughts or behaviors while taking Champix to stop smoking, make sure you tell your doctor ASAP. Champix does carry a black box warning in the US, which is one of the strongest warnings a drug can receive.

Champix stop smoking drug

2009-08-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

Champix is a prescription drug that can help you stop smoking. It is known as Chantix in the US, and the technical name is Varenicline. It is made by Pfizer. It does not contain nicotine, but it does target the nicotine receptors in the brain. Once the Champix starts working, it attaches to the nicotine receptors in the brain, and blocks nicotine from reaching them. This means that Champix works by telling your brain that nicotine isn't making you feel happy like it used to. This makes you want to smoke less and it makes you have less cravings for nicotine. This makes smoking less pleasurable for you, which means the Champix is working.

Because Champix doesn't contain nicotine, you will start taking it approximately a week or two before you quit smoking. Champix is typically prescribed in 12 week regiments. Talking with your doctor may mean that your doctor will have a different treatment plan for you as you begin using Champix. Typically, the 12 week cycles will start with you taking Champix while still smoking, which will allow the drug to build up in the body and help your need for cigarettes to lessen. Then you can wean off of smoking after the drug has begun to work.

In trials, 44% of the group treated with Champix had stopped smoking after being treated for 12 weeks, as opposed to 11% of smokers taking the placebo. Over the same duration, it was also shown to be twice as effective as Zyban. Champix has been called one of the most effective stop smoking drugs on the market.