FDA: Smoking Cessation Drug Does Not Cause More Psychiatric Hospitalizations Than Nicotine Patches

By Join Together Staff | October 25, 2011 |

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined the smoking cessation drug Chantix (varenicline) is no more likely than nicotine patches to cause psychiatric events that require hospitalization.

The FDA drew its conclusions after reviewing two studies comparing Chantix to nicotine replacement therapy, including nicotine patches. The agency acknowledged the studies had limitations and will keep the “black box” warning labels on Chantix to advise about possible psychiatric side effects, including changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood and suicidal thoughts or actions, Reuters reports.

“Overall, FDA has determined that the current warnings in the Chantix drug label, based on postmarketing surveillance reports, remain appropriate,” the FDA said in a statement.

One study conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs compared 14,131 veterans using Chantix with an equal number of veterans who used nicotine patches. A second study conducted by the Department of Defense compared almost 20,000 people using Chantix with about 16,000 people who used nicotine patches for a month after they began treatment to quit smoking.

The manufacturer of Chantix, Pfizer, is conducting a large safety clinical trial of the drug to assess psychiatric side effects. Results are expected in 2017.

In June, the FDA said Chantix may be associated with a small, increased risk of certain heart problems in patients with heart disease.

http://www.drugfree.org/join-together/research/fda-smoking-cessation-drug-does-not-cause-more-psychiatric-hospitalizations-than-nicotine-patches?utm_source=Join+Together+Daily&utm_campaign=42a2475b68-JT+Daily+News%3A+Take-Back+Programs...&utm_medium=email

Reposted at darkestcloset@blogspot.com

Health Reform to Increase Number Receiving Medicaid Mental Health Services

The number of Medicaid beneficiaries using mental health and addiction treatment services is expected to increase from 2.1 million in 2006 to 4.4 million in 2019—the date when all health reform provisions are implemented to expand Medicaid coverage to low-income childless adults between the ages of 18 and 64. The number of 18-to-64-year-old adult behavioral health service users overall (counting those covered by Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and the uninsured) is expected to increase from 25.4 million in 2006 to 26.6 million by 2019.. The projected increase in behavioral health service utilization was based on research on non-elderly adults’ mental health status and insurance status by income level reported in the 2004–2006 Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys. (Open Minds, 10/10/11)

Happy World Mental Health Day!

World Mental Health Day—October 10, 2011

World Mental Health Day raises public awareness about mental health issues. The day promotes open discussion of mental health and investments in prevention, promotion, and treatment services.

This year, the theme is "Investing in Mental Health." Significant behavioral health disparities persist in diverse communities across the globe. To reach these communities, we need to increase investment for mental health and to shift available resources toward more effective forms of services delivered through primary health care and community settings.

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