Controversial Anti-Smoking Drug Makes Headlines Yet Again

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I was shocked when I read the following newspaper headline recently: ‘Actor cleared of beating girlfriend and throwing her naked into street after he blames behaviour on anti-smoking drug.’

The culprit behind this terrifying story?

Champix, of course.

Dangerous mix

For those of you who might have missed this story, here’s the background information:

A television actor was accused of assaulting his girlfriend but escaped trial after blaming the attack on the anti-smoking drug, Champix.

The actor was found not guilty of assault and causing actual bodily harm, after experts said the drug, combined with alcohol and a history of depression, could have caused him to lose control.

So, in this instance, it seems that ‘other factors’ also came into play... However, this does not clear this smoking cessation drug from it’s already severely tainted reputation.

Bad boy on the block

The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been reviewing Champix’s (Chantix in the US) safety since 2007, after receiving hundreds of reports of unpredictable, aggressive and suicidal behaviour following its use.

From May 2006 through to December 2007, the FDA received 227 domestic reports of suicidal acts, thoughts or behaviours, 397 cases of possible psychosis and 525 reports of hostility or aggression. These totals included 28 cases of suicide and 41 mentions of homicidal ideation, 60 cases of paranoia and 55 cases of hallucination. The categories were not mutually exclusive.

Champix contains varenicline that helps smokers stop smoking. It is designed to stimulate a type of nicotine receptor in the brain while preventing nicotine from binding to another receptor.

In the 4th quarter of 2007 alone, varenicline accounted for 988 serious injuries in the US according to reports received by the FDA, more than any other individual drug in this period.

Consequently, almost exactly a year ago, the FDA ordered Pfizer Inc – the manufacturer of Champix - to add a strong "black box" warning on its anti-smoking drug to highlight the risk of serious mental health problems.

Yet, in spite of this, the drug is still widely available. In the UK, it is approved for use on the NHS with a recommendation to be prescribed ‘only as part of a programme of behavioural support’. Pfizer insists that a direct link between Champix and psychiatric problems has not been established in clinical trials. I wonder how it explains away all the adverse effects that have been reported following its use????

Word on the street

Here at the Daily Health we’ve reported on the adverse side effects of Champix on numerous occasions. In fact, our article ‘Champix Side Effects – Dangers of Popular Drug Used to Quit Smoking’ published back in January 2008, caused quite a stir (to put it mildly!) among our readers... and up to 1,000 of you wrote in to share your experiences of the drug.

Here’s what just a few of you had to say:

“I started taking Champix about a month ago and have smoked probably 5 cigs in this time. I feel great for not smoking BUT the side effects of this tiny little pill is something I never want to experience again, my poor children have seen me change from happy to sad to angry to frustrated all in such a short space of time. I was exhausted and felt so tired all the time and yet could hardly sleep and when I did sleep the dreams were bizarre, I feel like I could rip someone's face off one minute then fall to the ground crying the next... I have not taken a pill for 3 days now and 2 of them I locked myself in the house in darkness and wouldn't answer the phone and cried all day as I felt I had no direction or get up and go in me. I am suffering depression, anxiety and anger now; I would not recommend these to anyone.”
Megs Posted 26/06/2008

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“My husband is on Champix and his hostile erratic behaviour has caused us to separate. I have no idea what to do to help him and I am very afraid for him. Can someone offer any suggestions?"
Ellen Posted 25/08/2008

"I have just finished the entire course last week... I had the nausea feeling every day, but towards the end I started getting restless, rushing feelings and anxiety, I have now been off the pills for a week and the anxiety is getting worse (I have never had these feelings before I started taking Champix). I have a fairly stressful job which I am sure does not help as smoking was my release. Just wondered if anyone else has had side effects after stopping the course."
MC Posted 25/11/2009

"Well, after reading some of your comments I start to understand! I am on day 10 and finally can't stand cigarettes! What a relief as I have been smoking for 15 years. But my mood swings are terrible it does worry me as my daughter (8) is seeing me one minute happy and the other erratic and my partner is being very supportive but I don't like seeing myself like a doctor Jekyll and mr Hyde ! I will see the nurse in 2 days and will ask for other remedies.”
Vanina Posted 04/01/2010

And the list goes on and on...

If you're considering Champix to help you quit smoking here are a few essential things you should pay attention to:

* Speak to someone that has used the drug. You can view our previous article and read readers’ comments by clicking this link.

* Discuss all other options of medication or stop- smoking-aids with your doctor.

* Discuss any concerns with reference to the side effects with your doctor BEFORE you start taking the drug.

* Tell your doctor if you have experienced depression or other mental health problems before taking Champix, as these symptoms may worsen while taking the drug.

* Stop taking Champix and tell your doctor right away if you, your family or caregiver have noticed any adverse symptoms such as thoughts of self-harm or of harming others.

I'd strongly urge you to consider alternative ways to stop your habit, such as hypnosis and acupuncture. Cracking the code with any addiction is not easy and many people fail on their first attempt. That's why it is so important that you find a support system that works for you and that your loved ones understand your struggle and sincere desire to quit smoking and improve your health.

Champix: Related Reading

Champix Side Effects – Dangers Of Popular Drug Used To Quit Smoking

Champix, a Slow-ticking Time Bomb

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Sources:

‘Actor cleared of beating girlfriend and throwing her naked into street after he blames behaviour on anti- smoking drug’ by Vanessa Allen and Katherine Faulkner, published online 09.06.10, dailymail.co.uk

‘Pfizer’s Champix patents in India is already opposed by Dr Reddy’s’ published online 02.07.2009, dancewithshadows.com

‘Health Canada weighs options as U.S. FDA adds "black box" warnings’ by Teresa Smith, published online 03.07.2009, canada.com

‘Champix, a Slow-ticking Time Bomb’ published online 03.10.2008, thehealthierlife.co.uk

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