It was announced this week by the Food and Drug Administration that the smoking cessation drugs Chantix and Zyban will be required to post one of the strongest safety warnings out there.
These warnings will inform patients of the side-effects of these drugs, and in this case this includes depression and suicide.
There was an alarming high rate of patients complaining of changes in behavior while taking the medications. Many patients felt hostile, depressed and had suicidal thoughts, some even attempted or were successful in committing suicide.
About 98 reports of suicides committed by patients received by the agency, while nearly 188 suicides were attempted. Chantix resulted in a higher rate of suicides and suicide attempts than Zyban, with the second drug resulting in only 14 suicide and 17 suicide attempts, according to officials.
This is a fairly alarming report, especially when we think of the fact that most smokers are encouraged to take some kind of medication when they decide to quit. Who knows what other horrible side effects similar medications may have…
[Via: Washington Post]
