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Boxed Warnings Required for Chantix and Zyban

By Oguz Ozdemir

On July 1, 2009 the Food and Drug Administration issued a public notice regarding the use of two prescription medicines that are used to help people stop smoking. The FDA has requested that the manufacturers of Chantix and Zyban add boxed warnings to their product labels as a result of reports that the products cause a change in behavior. A warning is also called for in the generic versions of Zyban, also known as bupropion.

Some people who have used Chantix and or Zyban have experienced different behavioral reactions such as depression, agitation, hostility and suicidal thoughts and actions. The FDA recommends that if you or a loved one have taken either of these medications and experienced any of these side effects he or she should contact their physicians right away. Anyone who uses or has used these products that have felt like hurting themselves or others should also cease the medications and speak to their doctor or other healthcare professional immediately.

Chantix is known as varenicline and Zyban is known as bupropion hydrochloride. While these medications have helped many people successfully quit smoking, some people have reported behavioral changes that are not symptomatic of nicotine withdrawal. Most serious of the symptoms are the onset of depression. In some people it has escalated to the point of thoughts of suicide and people actually attempting suicide while using either Chantix or Zyban.

Withdrawal from smoking and the effects from the lack of nicotine include some irritability, feelings of anxiety, insomnia and even slight depression which is typical. But any conditions that start to become excessive or do not lessen within a reasonable amount of time should be addressed as soon as they are recognized.

If you are currently a smoker who wants to quit you should speak with your doctor as to what the best course of action would be for you. By continuing to smoke you are increasing other health risks that could be fatal. It has been determined through years of research by health officials as well as the tobacco industry itself that smoking can lead to lung cancer, emphysema, heart attacks, stroke and other respiratory illnesses.

While not everyone suffers side effects from products that have been created to help people stop smoking they are serious enough to take into consideration when choosing a program to help you become smoke free.

If you or someone that you love has used Chantix or Zyban in an effort to stop smoking and have experienced any of the side effects that have been detailed above, please contact the Napoli Bern Ripka Law Firm for help in handling this situation. Our lawyers can help you determine the best course of action to take.

If you live in New York you can make an appointment to come to our office which is located in the Empire State building. We also have offices throughout the country. We are committed to helping our clients realize the justice that they deserve.

Please take a minute and fill out our Quick Contact form on our home page or give us a call at 1-888-LAW-IN-NY (888-529-4669). We have recovered over a billion dollars for our clients. Let us put our expertise to work for you.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Oguz Ozdemir

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on July 27, 2009 (boomark / email).