Chantix Side Effects Overlooked In Study

Chantix, the smoking cessation drug from manufacturers Pfizer, was recently reported as a preferred and more adequate method for smokers to quit their tobacco-induced addictions. The results of the study were released in the medical journal, Thorax, and stated that of nearly 746 smokers who took Chantix for 12 weeks, 56 percent of those remained cigarette free. The study compared this to information researched as to how many of these individuals remained cigarette free while using the nicotine patch, and the number remained at 43 percent.

The study was paid for by the drugs makers and was conducted by Dr. Henri-Jean Aubin of the French Hospital Emile-Roux. The study reported that during the study, which took place for more than a year, individuals were randomly given either nicotine patches of prescriptions of Chantix. Researchers found that the drug was 6 percent more successful in keeping smokers abstinent from cigarettes than nicotine patches after a year.

Chantix Risks Still Prevalent

In November 2007, reports began to surface of severe psychological risks among several Chantix patients. The side effects included depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors as well as suicidal tendencies. Unfortunately, nearly 40 Chantix patients had allegedly killed themselves as a result of consuming the drug; an additional 400 patients also reported the unusual side effect.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been investigating the drug and believes to have found links from the drug to it's alleged side effects. Although an FDA Public Health Advisory was issued in February 2008 on the dangers of Chantix' side effects, the drug has not been recalled. Additionally, nearly 37 percent of Chantix patients have reported severe nausea while taking the drug. Other Chantix side effects:

* constipation

* gas

* vomiting and nausea (most prevalent side effect)

* sleeping disorders, including unusual/strange dreams, inability to sleep, etc.

According to information made available from Pfizer, patients who are taking other medications such as herbal supplements, vitamins, insulin, blood thinners and asthma medications may be at risk for complications and should consult a doctor about their previous and current drug prescription consumption.

Smoking Cessation Treatments

According to a Reuters Health news report Dr. An editorial, which accompanied the study, was written by Paul Aveyard of the University of Birmingham -- he explained that while the study found Chantix to be most effective, smoking cessation drugs and their success often depends on the patient. Aveyard explained that these drugs commonly depend on the individual patient, as one drug may work sufficiently for one patient, but do nothing for another patient.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) reported the following as potential smoking cessation treatments:

* nicotine gum

* nicotine inhalers

* nicotine lozenges

* nicotine patches

* nicotine nasal spray

* varenicline pills

* bupropion SR pills

While the inhalers, gum, patches, sprays and lozenges contain nicotine and are used to slowly decrease consumption of nicotine use, buproprion and varenicline contain no nicotine. Most often, these treatments are for patients with these conditions:

* pregnant or nursing women

* individuals suffering from seizures

* those with eating disorders

* individuals consuming a heavy amount of alcohol

It is advisable for a patient looking to quit smoking to always consult a physician especially if they have shown signs and symptoms of mood swings, behavioral disorders, suicidal thoughts and tendencies as well as depression while taking Chantix.

Overcoming Chantix Side Effects

The Chantix dangers may be difficult to overcome as they can cause a severe depression disorder among patients. An individual who has suffered from the Chantix side effects may be eligible for developing a Chantix lawsuit. Consulting with a pharmaceutical law firm can provide insight into the potential for a Chantix lawsuit, which may be able to afford a victim with monetary compensation for potential harm caused to a patient and their families.