Take care with new quit smoking drug
National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) advises people wishing to take the new drug varenicline (Champix) to help them quit smoking, to be aware of the possible side effects and to discuss any concerns they have with their doctor or pharmacist.
Available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) from 1 January 2008 varenicline (Champix) is a new non-nicotine drug that may help people to quit smoking.
Dr John Dowden of NPS said that people who intend to use varenicline should be aware that like all medicines, it can have side effects, including nausea, or a feeling of wanting to be sick, insomnia, abnormal dreams, headache and constipation.
During the time that it has been available overseas, some individuals using varenicline have experienced depressed mood swings, suicidal thoughts or aggressive and erratic behaviour. These reports included people both with and without pre-existing psychiatric illness. While varenicline may have caused these symptoms as a rare side effect, they may also be related to stopping smoking.
Dr Dowden said people should read the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) sheet about this medicine or any medicine that is new to them. The CMI is available from doctors and pharmacists.
