The smoking cessation drug Chantix is eight times more likely to be linked with suicidal behavior and depression than nicotine patches, reports a new study published by researchers in North Carolina.

Because of these risks, the drug should only be used after other forms of treatment have failed, said the study published by Wake Forest University Baptist Hospital scientists in the on-line publication Public Library of Science journal PLoS One.

Pfizer, which makes Chantix, may have rushed the drug to market without enough study and continues to defend the drug despite serious questions about risks. People who have developed serious side-effects after using Chantix should report these to the FDA and hold Pfizer responsible.

The findings contradict two studies released last month by the FDA. Those studies claimed Chantix did not increase the risk of being hospitalized for psychiatric problems such as depression. But at the same time, the agency acknowledged its data only included cases that were severe enough to require hospitalization.

The Wake Forest study looked at data that included reports of serious self-injury or depression, but not necessarily hospitalizations, linked to Chantix (varencline), a second smoking cessation drug, Zyban (bupropion), and nicotine patch products.

The study found that out of a case study of 2,925 , 90% of suicidal behavior or depression reported to the FDA were related to Chantix, 229 were linked to bupropion and 95 cases were related to nicotine replacement products.

These same researchers have authored other studies that have linked Chantix to increases in the risk of heart problems, unprovoked aggression, and sudden blackouts. They also say the benefits of Chantix are not worth the risks, since after taking the drug only 10% of people actually quit smoking.

Quitting smoking is the most important step people can take to improve their health. Based on these studies, the safer route does not include upping the risk of suicide or depression. Among the organizations offering a comprehensive guide to quitting smoking is the  American Cancer Society.

 

Robert Jenner brings to the My Advocates medical and legal team more than 26 years experience representing injured consumers nation-wide against the manufacturers of dangerous prescription drugs, defective medical devices, tainted blood products, and other unsafe products. Mr. Jenner has been honored by his peers for inclusion in “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Maryland’s Super Lawyers”(named in Top 50). READ FULL BIO