Q: I’ve heard there is a pill called Chantix that can help me quit smoking. But I’ve also heard there are serious side-effects. Is it safe?

• I’ve heard there is a pill called Chantix that can help me quit smoking. But I’ve also heard there are serious side-effects. Is it safe?
• How can I be as safe as possible while using Chantix?

Q: I’ve heard there is a pill called Chantix that can help me quit smoking. But I’ve also heard there are serious side-effects. Is it safe?

A: For a majority of people, Chantix is safe and effective. However, there have been reports that Chantix caused behavioral problems such as depressed mood and suicidal tendencies in some people. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed these reports and concluded that some of them had merit. As a result, the FDA has asked Chantix’s manufacturer to add a warning label to each package. The label alerts your doctor and pharmacist about this side-effect.

Q: How can I be as safe as possible while using Chantix?

A: No medication—no matter how effective—is good enough to help you quit smoking by itself. That’s why we strongly recommend you also enroll in tobacco treatment counseling. Your counselor will track your progress, give you the encouragement you need to quit and assist you with changing your smoking related behaviors. He or she—in conjunction with your primary care doctor—also will know whether Chantix is right for you. A counselor also can help monitor any behavior or mood changes you may experience.

When you first meet with one of our tobacco treatment counselors, he or she will:

• Gather your tobacco use history and medical information
• Determine your stage of readiness to stop using tobacco
• Develop your personalized plan
• Provide you with support throughout the quitting process
• Help you choose a quit date

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