Friday, August 28, 2009

You're better of without it, I think

Mark and I were watching TV last night, as we do on a regular basis, and the following commercial came on for a drug called Chantix, that is basically prescription medication for those who want to quit smoking:

http://www.chantix.com/tv-ads.aspx

Ya gotta watch this....seriously. Here's the thing: The commercial is about 60 seconds. About 15 of it is about how great the meds are and that it helped this woman quit smoking after 29 years.

THEN it launches into another 45 seconds about how it can take three months to actually stop smoking, that there are numerous (and life threatening) side effects of the medication (seriously, see below), and you have to have an actual "plan" with maybe even counseling, that the meds alone won't do it.

Really? This is a viable option for people who want to quit smoking? THEN when you quit taking the meds you have a slew of withdrawl symptoms that include things like depression & suicidal thoughts? You'll be so agitated and upset, you'll probably start smoking again! Why bother?

Seriously, this is from their website:

What is the most important safety information about CHANTIX?
Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions while using CHANTIX to help them quit smoking. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking CHANTIX, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping CHANTIX. If you, your family, or caregiver notice agitation, hostility, depression, or changes in behavior, thinking, or mood that are not typical for you, or you develop suicidal thoughts or actions, anxiety, panic, aggression, anger, mania, abnormal sensations, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion, stop taking CHANTIX and call your doctor right away. Also tell your doctor about any history of depression or other mental health problems before taking CHANTIX, as these symptoms may worsen while taking CHANTIX.

Is there other important safety information? (as if the list above wasn't enough!!)
Some people can have serious skin reactions while taking CHANTIX, some of which can become life-threatening. These can include rash, swelling, redness, and peeling of the skin. Some people can have allergic reactions to CHANTIX, some of which can be life-threatening and include: swelling of the face, mouth, and throat that can cause trouble breathing. If you have these symptoms or have a rash with peeling skin or blisters in your mouth, stop taking CHANTIX and get medical attention right away.

Use caution driving or operating machinery
until you know how CHANTIX may affect you. (I don't know about you, but most people who smoke also drive because they always roll their windows down and blow smoke into my car)

What are the most common side effects?
In clinical trials, the most common side effects of CHANTIX include:
Nausea (30%)
Sleep problems (trouble sleeping, changes in dreaming)
Constipation
Gas
Vomiting
These are not all the side effects of CHANTIX. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

That would be enough for me to decide that either A) I'm better of smoking or B) chewing the nicotene gum might be a little safer.....

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Don't use any drug for sleeping problems. The problems will be cured by naturally. The information on sleep apnea cures should be known to everyone. The problem with Sleep apnea is that most of them are unaware of the condition. It can be only recognized by the close watch of the bed partner or the family member sleeping near you. So if you possess tired or sleepy and having snoring inform your partner or your family member to perform a close watch on your sleep and take proper treatment as prescribed by the doctor.