Health

FDA Warning: Anti Smoking Pill = Psychosis Side Effects

by Barry Artiste | February 2, 2008 at 04:18 am

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Opinion
Barry Artiste, Now Public Contributor

Wow, who knew Pfizer could invent a pill could that causes the same side effects as going Cold Turkey?

Anyone "Riding the Crazy Train" or who has witnessed a "Die Hard Smoker" going Cold Turkey, notices they are on one "Crazy Train" ride down the rails. Scientists state Die Hard Smokers going "Cold Turkey" effects are similar to quitting a Heroin habit.

Smoke pill has bad side
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a public health warning yesterday about a highly touted smoking cessation drug after it was linked to potentially serious neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Adverse effects have been reported in relation to the prescription medication Chantrix (varenicline), which is sold in Canada under the brand name Champix, including changes in behaviour, agitation, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts.

The FDA has requested that Pfizer, the drug's manufacturer, add the new safety information to the warnings and precautions section of the medication's prescribing information or labelling.

"Chantrix has proven to be effective in smokers motivated to quit, but patients and health-care professionals need the latest safety information to make an informed decision regarding whether or not to use this product," Dr. Bob Rappaport of the FDA said in an advisory.