Before Taking Medication To Quit Smoking, Be Aware Of The Side Effects

By Author: Susan Ardizzoni
Total Articles: 62
Comment this article

When people want to quit smoking, it is often helpful to have the aid of a prescription drug such as Chantix. However, there have been several dangerous side effects associated with the use of this particular drug. It is important for someone who wishes to use this medication in order to quit smoking to discuss their medical history as well as possible side effects with their doctor before starting treatment.

Patients who are interested in Chantix should bear in mind that they are more likely to be successful if they use the drug in combination with some kind of support. This may include individual counseling or additional educational materials. Talking to someone can help suppress urges when one arises, but it is also important that the patient is mentally prepared and willing to quit. After a successful round of treatment, a second therapy is recommended for long term success.

Although this drug can be effective in helping someone quit smoking, it has been associated with some very serious side effects. Some patients have reported Stevens-Johnson syndrome as a result of taking it, which is a potentially life ...
... threatening skin condition. If a patient begins to develop a skin rash accompanied by oozing lesions, they should immediately stop taking it and contact their doctor, as the condition could be fatal.

There are also neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with this treatment. Patients have reported symptoms including suicidal thoughts, aggressive behavior and depression. There have also been suicides associated with Chantix therapy. If someone has any personal or family history of mental illness, they should be sure to discuss it with their doctor before taking this medication.

Due to the many side effects that were discovered after Chantix was available to the public, the manufacturer has been ordered by the FDA to change the label on more than one occasion. The first change came when a warning was required to alert patients about the neuropsychiatric symptoms they were at risk for when taking Chantix. The next was a black box warning alerting patients of the severe psychological side effects of the drug. This suggests that there may eventually be a recall of the drug.

If a patient has experienced side effects such as depression, suicidal thoughts or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, they may be entitled to monetary compensation. No one should begin Chantix treatment without discussing their medical history with their health care provider. If any side effects occur, it is necessary to stop taking the drug immediately and contact a doctor.

Author Bio.

This article on Chantix side effects was sponsored by the law firm of Bernstein Liebhard LLP and constitutes attorney advertising. If you would like more information about Chantix lawsuits, please visit ConsumerInjuryLawyers.com.