Quitting smoking the dangerous way?
Some wonder if suicide is a side-effect of quitting smoking with Champix
When patients come to see me at the clinic to quit smoking, they’ve usually tried many things to kick the nasty habit. There are many approaches to smoking cessation. One of those includes the popular drug Champix (Chantix in the US). A recent CBC News article talks about yet another lawsuit against Pfizer, the company manufacturing Champix. And once again, the suit alleges that the company was negligent in marketing the medication to Canadians without properly warning them about the risk of severe mental side-effects including depression and suicide. Unlike other aids that attempt to curb smoking by replacing the body with nicotine in decreasing doses, Champix affects the nicotine receptors in the brain. The intention is to eliminate the pleasurable effects of smoking from nicotine and thus taking away the urge to smoke. However, by blocking brain receptors, could it be that the drug also inadvertently disrupts the brain chemistry so much that it can result in depression and suicidal thoughts? It is difficult to quit smoking, but you can do it without drugs. Smoking is a subconscious habit with powerful physiological addition. You can change that habit, however, if you deal with the body and program your mind with healthier habits. A good game plan that includes nutrition, detoxification, acupuncture, and mindfulness are the keys to quitting smoking and improving your overall health.
