Adverse Effects of Varenicline Or Chantix In Nicotine Addiction Treatment
One of the many medications currently used today for nicotine addiction or cigarette smoking is the drug Varenicline. Varenicline, or known for its brand names as Chantix in the USA and Champix in Europe and other countries, is a prescription medication used particularly to treat smoking addiction and works as a nicotinic receptor partial agonist. As a partial agonist, it both reduces cravings for and decreases the pleasurable effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products, and through these mechanisms it can assist some patients in stopping smoking. Though many therapists found success in the use of varenicline in treating nicotine addiction, different side effects have been cited by california drug rehab center [http://oceanhillsrecovery.com/california-drug-rehab.php] therapists with the use of this medication.
Varenicline Side Effects
Common side effects with the use of varenicline ranges from mild to life threatening psychiatric symptoms. Common side effect of taking the medication is nausea. According to california drug rehab center [http://oceanhillsrecovery.com/california-drug-rehab.php] therapists, less common and rare side effects of using varenicline may include:
* headache
* difficulty sleeping
* abnormal dreams
* change in taste
* vomiting
* abdominal pain
* flatulence
* constipation
In May 2008, Pfizer updated the safety information associated with Chantix, noting that "some patients have reported changes in behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions." However, before Pfizer even considered its side effects, the FDA have already announced that it had received post-marketing reports that patients using Chantix for smoking cessation had experienced several serious symptoms in November of 2007. These adverse effects includes:
* suicidal ideation
* occasional suicidal behavior
* erratic behavior
* drowsiness
On February 1, 2008 the FDA issued an Alert to further clarify its findings, noting that "it appears increasingly likely that there is an association between Chantix and serious neuropsychiatric symptoms." It is unknown whether the psychiatric symptoms are related to the drug or to nicotine withdrawal symptoms, although not all patients had stopped smoking. The FDA also recommended that health care professionals and patients watch for behavioral and mood changes.
Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) conducted an analysis of post-marketing adverse effects reports received by the FDA. According to this analysis, in the fourth quarter of 2007 varenicline accounted for more reports of serious side effects than any other drug. Suicidal acts and ideation, psychosis, and hostility or aggression, including homicidal ideation, were the most prominent psychiatric side effects. Multiple reports suggested that varenicline may also cause:
* the loss of glycemic control
* new onset of diabetes
* heart rhythm disturbances
* skin reactions
* vision disturbances
* seizures
* abnormal muscle spasms and other movement disorders
According to california drug rehab center therapists, on July 1, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration required varenicline and Zyban (bupropion) to carry a black box warning, the agency's strongest safety warning, due to side effects including depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal actions.
Varenicline Side Effects
Common side effects with the use of varenicline ranges from mild to life threatening psychiatric symptoms. Common side effect of taking the medication is nausea. According to california drug rehab center [http://oceanhillsrecovery.com/california-drug-rehab.php] therapists, less common and rare side effects of using varenicline may include:
* headache
* difficulty sleeping
* abnormal dreams
* change in taste
* vomiting
* abdominal pain
* flatulence
* constipation
In May 2008, Pfizer updated the safety information associated with Chantix, noting that "some patients have reported changes in behavior, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions." However, before Pfizer even considered its side effects, the FDA have already announced that it had received post-marketing reports that patients using Chantix for smoking cessation had experienced several serious symptoms in November of 2007. These adverse effects includes:
* suicidal ideation
* occasional suicidal behavior
* erratic behavior
* drowsiness
On February 1, 2008 the FDA issued an Alert to further clarify its findings, noting that "it appears increasingly likely that there is an association between Chantix and serious neuropsychiatric symptoms." It is unknown whether the psychiatric symptoms are related to the drug or to nicotine withdrawal symptoms, although not all patients had stopped smoking. The FDA also recommended that health care professionals and patients watch for behavioral and mood changes.
Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) conducted an analysis of post-marketing adverse effects reports received by the FDA. According to this analysis, in the fourth quarter of 2007 varenicline accounted for more reports of serious side effects than any other drug. Suicidal acts and ideation, psychosis, and hostility or aggression, including homicidal ideation, were the most prominent psychiatric side effects. Multiple reports suggested that varenicline may also cause:
* the loss of glycemic control
* new onset of diabetes
* heart rhythm disturbances
* skin reactions
* vision disturbances
* seizures
* abnormal muscle spasms and other movement disorders
According to california drug rehab center therapists, on July 1, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration required varenicline and Zyban (bupropion) to carry a black box warning, the agency's strongest safety warning, due to side effects including depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal actions.
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