The FDA is noting Chantix does not cause more psychiatric problems than the patch but still warns caution
Chantix has been noted to cause psychiatric problems to those trying to quit smoking. The FDA on Monday had stated that the anti-smoking drug Chantix does not increase psychiatric problems such as depression according to two studies. However, these results are not definite and they had only used recorded causes of psychiatric problems which had resulted in hospitalization.
In May of 2006, Chantix had received approval from the FDA. Leap forward one year and the FDA had began investigating reports of mood disorders and erratic behavior among those who had used Chantix.
In a statement the FDA discloses that two federally funded studies consisting of more than 26,000 patients did not reveal an increased rate of psychiatric hospitalizations in comparison to smoking cessation treatments and the nicotine patch.
On the other hand the FDA is also stating that due to the fact only those reported psychiatric problems which resulted in hospitalization were used in the study. This translates too many issues which could have gone unreported. Leaving the FDA to advise caution that this still does not mean Chantix does not cause mood changes which include depression and hostility.
The FDA openly admitted to numerous design flaws in both studies.
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs conducted one cohort study of more than 14,000 Chantix and nicotine patch users. Compared was the incidence of psychiatric hospitalizations for drug induced mental disorders, schizophrenic disorders, depression, suicide attempts and other psychotic disorders.
The Department of Defense conducted the other cohort study. The DoD compared rates of hospitalization for neuropsychiatric adverse events among almost 20,000 Chantix users and almost 16,000 nicotine patch users.
Neither one of the studies had found a risk difference of neuropsychiatric hospitalizations between Chantix users and those who used the patch.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in July of this year had revealed a 72% increase of cardiovascular events which include stroke and congestive heart failure with the use of Chantix.
The black box warning which was imposed on Chantix will remain in effect.
This warning includes:
Behavior changes such as hostility, depression, suicidal thoughts and agitation may occur.
Smokers with a history of heart attack or stroke who use this drug could increase their risk for a second heart attack or onset of peripheral vascular disease.
Patients with cardiovascular disease or COPD are at a small risk for certain cardiovascular adverse events.
Dr. Yoon Loke, Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of East Anglia had stated to the BBC back in July that there are numerous ways to stop smoking that do not require medications.
One such noted therapy is hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy is becoming widely accepted and used at some of the nation’s best hospitals and medical research institutions.
Hypnosis can be a successful treatment it uses no drugs and does not have you doing anything that you normally would not do. The national average for hypnosis session is around $85 and as much as $125 on the East and West coasts.
It has been noted this is not an immediate fix then again neither are other smoking cessation treatments. It can take several sessions consisting of an average of four to six.
Seek out a licensed psychologist or a certified hypnotherapist. They have received trained from a qualified academic university or college.
In Detroit and surrounding areas:
A & L Chiropractic Center (certified hypnotherapist on staff)
24281 Middlebelt Road
Farmington Hills
248-477-3977
15403 Baylis Street
Detroit
313-397-1464
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