Information for Healthcare Professionals: Varenicline and Bupropion
2009-07-20
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the American counterpart to the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), has required the manufacturers of the smoking cessation aids varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban and generics) to add new Boxed Warnings and develop patient Medication Guides highlighting the risk of serious neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients using these products. These symptoms include changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and attempted suicide.