Smoker weighs trying Chantix again
Dear Dr. Roach: I am a 68-year-old female smoker in good health aside from having osteoporosis. I am addicted to smoking and have tried everything available to quit without any success. I tried taking Chantix 15 years ago. At that time, my late husband and I decided we would quit together using Chantix. He became very hostile and nasty, which resulted in me becoming depressed and suicidal. I did not act on my thoughts; we immediately stopped taking the medication and life went back to normal for the both of us.
I want to know your thoughts on trying Chantix again. I have asked my doctors for advice and have received conflicting answers. I know that Chantix can lead to suicidal thoughts but I am hoping that may not happen the second time. What are your thoughts?
A.L.
Answer: For almost all smokers, quitting smoking is the single most important thing to do for one’s health. On average, smoking cuts eight to 12 years off a person’s life, and quitting smoking always leads to getting some of that time back.
There are many aids to help people quit. Before considering other treatments, it’s worthwhile to consider why you are addicted to smoking, and what other activities would be better to address any psychological issues that might be present.
Varenicline (Chantix) is one of the most used and successful smoking cessation aids. Depression and suicidal ideation are wellknown side effects of varenicline therapy, although they are rare — about 1.3% in a well-done trial, similar to that seen with other medicines or with placebo.
Chantix is not the only smoking cessation aid. Smoking cessation group classes have proven to be effective. Nicotine replacement therapy also increases the chances of successfully quitting. An antidepressant, bupropion (Wellbutrin or Zyban), has additional effectiveness on top of group sessions and nicotine replacement (but it should not be used in a person with seizures). It seems to me prudent to try a different therapy with roughly equivalent effectiveness before you try Chantix again.