Quit-Smoking Drugs Led to Suicide Attempts

Two drugs used primarily by smokers who would like to quit the habit will be required by the US Food and Drug Administration to carry boxed warnings about health risks – specifically the onset of symptoms that are neuropsychiatric in nature – that have been associated with the drugs.

quit smokingThe FDA has received reports regarding the effects of the drugs varenicline (Chantix) and buproprion (Zyban, Wellbutrin and generics). The agency reportedly started receiving reports two years ago, which included the onset of symptoms such a depression, suicidal thoughts and tendencies, agitation, hostility and other such changes in behavior. Among varenicline users, almost a hundred ended up committing suicide, while more than 180 have attempted suicide. There weren’t as many among buproprion users, with 14 suicides and 17 attempted suicides throughout the drugs’ respective marketing histories.

The agency further recommended that clinicians should monitor patients who have been prescribed the drugs to help them quit smoking. There were cases that the symptoms were resolved with the mere cessation of treatment, although this does not happen all the time. Monitoring should not only occur while a patient is in the midst of treatment but even after stopping medication, until such times that the symptoms have been fully resolved. While such neuropsychiatric symptoms are also characteristic of nicotine withdrawal, these also occurred in patients who are still smoking while taking the drugs.

Aside from placing warning labels on their products, the manufacturers of varenicline and buproprion will also be required to conduct a clinical trial which will look into the appearance of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients who are taking the drugs. The trial should include patients who already have psychiatric disorders as a pre-existing condition before taking the drugs.

The drugs’ labels will also be updated to include, aside from the warning on neuropsychiatric risks, information about allergic and skin reactions as well as the risk of accidental injury when driving or operating machinery while taking the drugs.

Read more: http://hometestingblog.testcountry.com/?p=2902#ixzz0KW1hjySD&C

Make This Father's Day Special By Quitting Smoking

The American Lung Association in New York is encouraging all New Yorkers who smoke, and dads in particular, to make this Father's Day all the more special by quitting smoking. Each year in New York state, more than 14,000 men die as a result of smoking and 1,600 kids go through the pain and anguish of losing their dads.

"While quitting smoking can be difficult, not quitting has tragic consequences," said Michael Seilback, Vice President for Public Policy and Communications. "The day that we honor dads and recognize the very special bond that exists between a father and child is an ideal time to make the commitment to finally quit smoking."

Seilback pointed out that those who decide to quit smoking can look forward to living richer, fuller and healthier lives free from the grip of tobacco and the myriad health risks that come with its use. What's more, fathers who quit aren't just helping to improve their own health, but the quality of life their children and other family members enjoy. Secondhand smoke contains more than 40 substances known to cause cancer. Exposure is dangerous and can prolong and worsen numerous medical conditions including bronchitis, asthma and sinus infections.

Despite the known health risks of smoking, tobacco use among men remains a serious problem. There are more than 25 million men in the U.S. who currently smoke, 1.5 million of them New Yorkers.

The best way for New Yorkers who smoke to celebrate this Father's Day is by quitting smoking. One easy way to begin the process is to pick up the phone and call the New York State Smokers' Quitline at 1-866-NYQUITS (1-866-697-8487).

Another helpful resource is the American Lung Association's free online smoking cessation program - Freedom from Smoking. The seven module program empowers smokers by providing them with the information they need to become smoke free and stay smoke free. The Freedom from Smoking website can be accessed at http://www.ffsonline.org/.