VA Claim is wrong on Chantix wrong

Monday, December 17, 2007 was the date I posted this.

Champix warning: Quit smoking drug should be avoided if you have depression
Anti-smoking pill linked to suicide
Natasha Wallace Health Reporter
December 17, 2007
THE first anti-smoking drug that specifically targets nicotine cravings will be launched in Sydney today, but there are concerns that it has been linked to depression and suicide.Varenicline tartrate, a prescription treatment for adults marketed as Champix, will be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from January 1 and will cost about $60 for a 12-week treatment and about $10 for pensioners and health care card holders. Patients will receive a subsidy for one course a year.
The drug works by blocking the effect of nicotine on the brain, reducing the pleasurable and reinforcing feelings associated with smoking. Smokers set their quit date between day eight and day 14 of taking the tablets.

Nick Zwar, professor of general practice at the University of NSW, said he was concerned about US reports of suicide and depression among users of the drug and recommended that people with mental health problems avoid it.
click post title for the rest
http://woundedtimes.blogspot.com/2007/12/champix-warning-quit-smoking-drug.html

While the spelling was different, perhaps because this was out of Sidney, it seems a lot like Chantix.


This went on to say that the US Government was looking into the research and ended with this statement

Associate Professor Matthew Peters, head of respiratory medicine at Concord Hospital, said most smokers make five to seven attempts before they finally quit.

"I think it is a very effective drug to help people quit smoking but I think the right sort of support is critical to get the benefits," he said. "I agree that we should be cautious about use in people with mental health problems."

But it looks like the FDA was already looking at this in November
FDA to review Champix/Chantix side effects
Nov 29, 2007 ... A drug which was designed to help people quit smoking is causing concern following a number of reports that it induces suicidal feelings and ...
www.news-medical.net/?id=33001