I was horrified to read of reports emerging of how Champix - the 'wonder' drug meant to help people quit smoking has a serious side to it. It seems to cause depression in some people taking it to quit smoking. There have even been instances of suicide. There's more about the side effects in this BBC Online article and it looks like there is a TV Program coming up soon: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7748423.stm
A friend of mine went on it and found he was hallucinating and even had a really bad attack of kidney stones which he put down to the medication as he's not had that problem for years.
Shame the same amount of money and research put into Champix couldn't be spent on energy psychology tools like EFT. Then we'd have a natural and more effective treatment available on the NHS, without such horrendous side effects.
Our GP gave my doctor Champix a couple of months ago and I was horrified since a work colleague had had such a bad reaction and the rediculous thing was that she hadn't checked out the side effects! I read through them and discussed them with her - she could have been taking anything - and obviously was! She felt really ill for weeks and just assumed that it was withdrawal symptoms.
🙁
my sister had just stopped taking this drug, it made her seriously depressed something she has never suffered with. strangely enough all the time she was on the drug, while i was giving her reflexology treatrments her whole skeletal reflexes were very tender ! again not something she ever has a problem with.
I've heard loads of horror stories on the effects of this drug. I also treated a guy for smoking cessation after he had tried Champix and ended up attempting suicide while on it, he now has permanent injuries from this attempt (never suffered with depression before, never had any suicidal feelings and had no problems in his life). I know a lot of GPs won't prescribe it, I'd hope they would all stop prescribing it!
Might be worth reading the prescribing advice:
http://www.nyrdtc.nhs.uk/docs/nde/NDE_81_varenicline_final.pdf
Myarka.
What horrifies me the most about this situation is that as a causal link has not been proven between Champix and the reported incidences of depression and suicidal behaviour the European licensing authority is only observing what happens.
According to the Beeb, the licensing agency explain they're 'monitoring the drug closely, but at the moment [it] feels the benefits of Champix far outweigh any current potential risks.' When it comes to immediate risk of life to the individual and to others, how can the long term benefits of quitting smoking outweigh the short term serious potential for harm?
It's almost as if the balance of concern is on the wrong foot. They're not going to take action to remove it from use or limit its use until it's proven that it is harmful. Excuse my rhetorical question, but I thought drug agencies were intended to protect us from seriously harmful medication?
Unfortunately that is the problem with many drugs. They help with one condition but have side-effects and sometimes quite serious side effects.
my mum tried to get champix from her gp but as she has a history of depression he would not allow it, my sister has never suffered and she got it without problem, but after 2 weeks felt so depressed and has suicidal toughts she stopped it as soon as she realised it was the drug
hello everyone,
I belive thats the same drug but here in US its called CHANTIX. I was going to try that to help me stop smoking a while back but decided against it . Here in The US there are several reports of the same thing happening . People suffereing from severe depression , hallucinations and suicide attempts . I strongly feel this product should be removed the market bith in the US and UK and anywehre else its avilable .
Hi everyone
I have just been reading some of the posts about the drug CHAMPIX, and would like to say that my sister in law has been a smoker for over 20yrs and recently was precribed these by the smoking clinic, she has been taking these for 5weeks now and she STOPPED SMOKING nearly 3weeks ago.
She has a very hectic life and has 5children ! so im very impressed with what she has achived, and she said she had really no side affects apart from been a bit grumpy.:mad:
I have noticed she is eating a lot more so she will have to watch her weight ! but appart from that she is doing great.:dance:
Im even going to ring the smoking clinic tomorrow and see if i can get some, so fingers crossed they will work as well for me, but will keep you all posted and let you know.
Take care everyone, Love Jayne xxx:hug:
Maybe people got depressed because they couldn't smoke any more.
champix
HI My husband was prescribed this in October, although the package has listed side effects it did not list the main one that everyone is talking about at the moment.He did not have any side effects except that he felt sick, which i believe is what it was supposed to do, a bit like the tab for drinkers.
He felt so sick that he had to stop taking it for that reason, he hasnt started smoking and didnt get any effects from stopping so quick.I didnt want to take them as im quite sensetive to substances,smoking too!,so gave up with out anything except will power and determination,god there are times i do want one,..but i feel better for not having one and im not blotchy any more and swim again.Anyway, if you do take it tell your nearest and dearest, then they can help by keeping an eye on you, if this champix is your last resort.
With love.x
I am trying quit smoking and took Chantix. After a week I noticed tinnitus and then found in internet the same symptoms from many people who had taken Chantix. But they don’t mention in instruction about it. Have enybody experiece with Chantix?
Quitting smoking is sometimes difficult, as smoker gets addicted to it. Thats why many problems like stress, depression etc are faced while quitting smoking. Quit smoking medications may help a lot in many cases. But yes, the problem with drugs is that they cures one condition and causes another by giving many side effects.