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  • Sept. 23, 2009

    Smoking cessation medications and depression: Be cautious

    By David Mrazek, M.D.

26 comments posted

It's well known how difficult it is to quit smoking.

Need more help?
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room
  • Call your physician, health provider or clergy
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness
    www.nami.org
    1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
It can be even more challenging to quit when one has depression. Quitting "cold turkey" rarely works. In recent years, more smokers have turned to medications to help them quit smoking. However, I'd like to draw your attention to a warning from the Food and Drug Administration about the use of some of these medications.

The FDA has issued an alert regarding the use of varenicline (Chantix) and buproprion (Wellbutrin or Zyban). In some cases, people using these medications have had suicidal thoughts and behaviors. That doesn't mean no one should take them, but you should have a discussion with your health care provider if you're taking them, especially if you've been diagnosed with depression or another mental illness. The FDA has warned that in some cases those with psychiatric conditions, such as depression, had more severe depressive symptoms if they were taking these medications.

If you are taking these medications, your provider should monitor you for any emerging symptoms. Stop taking these medications and contact your provider immediately if you experience agitation, depressed mood or any other significant behavior changes.

26 comments posted

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MY00841 Sept. 23, 2009

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