Approximately $167 billion each year in health-care costs, an average of $3,702 per adult smoker. It has been shown that quitting smoking now greatly reduces risks of heart disease, emphysema, and other serious medical conditions, and several drugs have been developed to assist patients in quitting smoking.
Chantix or Champix, known also as Varenicline Tartrate, is a prescription medicine given to patients seeking to end their smoking addiction. In the past, quitting aids have mostly focused on Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT's) which use a limited release of nicotine into the body to ease cravings.
The drug operates without using any nicotine. Instead, it focuses on reducing cravings and decreasing the pleasurable effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products, specifically as a partial agonist that activates release of 35 to 60% of the dopamine that nicotine would have caused.
Common side effects of the drug include nausea, headache, difficulty sleeping and abnormal dreams. It is estimated that 5 million prescriptions have been written and Pfizer, the medicine's manufacturer, reports there are 3 million Americans taking Chantix now.
In November 2007, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) began investigating reports of depression, agitation and suicidal behavior among patients taking the medicine, after they had received reports of 37 suicides and more than 400 of suicidal behaviors in connection with the non-smoking aid. A link between Chantix and serious psychiatric complications is becoming progressively probable, according to the FDA.
Additionally, the drug may further worsen preexisting psychiatric illness or cause a recurrence of past issues. Two weeks after this report, Pfizer added stronger drug warnings to the drug's packaging, stating publicly that while a direct link between the drug and the reported psychiatric problems did not exist, the possibility of the drug-induced psychotic episodes could not be ruled out.
Pfizer has suggested that these episodes of irrational behavior have been caused by nicotine withdrawal. However, the FDA's findings stated that even those patients who had continued smoking had similar psychiatric episodes. Indeed, cases of such extreme psychiatric problems have not manifested themselves as prominently in over the counter quitting aids, such as NRT's.
The most publicized case thus far has been that of Carter Albrecht, who, after assaulting his girlfriend, was shot and killed by his neighbor who mistook him for a burglar. Some questioned the bizarre circumstances surrounding Albrecht's death, and many close to him blamed his irrational behavior on the drug. In fact, after ABC published the story on their website, they received over 200 comments on the article, the large majority of them describing similar reactions of nightmares, depression, suicide ideation, broad mood swings, and generally abnormal behavior.
Many of these cases involved consumption of a moderate to heavy amount of alcohol, but an almost equal number reported these severe side effects with no alcohol imbibed. The possibility of real serious adverse side effects from the drug, including a relationship between the drug and suicide seems more and more likely.
Considering the evidence, it would appear that the drug has produced extreme or serious effects in a larger percentage of patients than what was originally found in the FDA tests.
Thoughts of suicide, euphoric to depressed mood swings, anxiety, and hallucinations appear to be almost common in the majority of available information from patients reporting back. As such, patients taking the drug should seriously consider consulting with their health care provider about the continued use of the drug, especially in cases where patients have a history of psychiatric illness.
If you or someone you know is taking the drug, or has taken the drug in the past, it may be in your best interest to consider consulting with an expert Chantix attorney about the prospect of any Chantix lawsuit, especially as the possibility of a Chantix class action lawsuit looms.
Side Effects Of Depressants
One can get so confused and overwhelmed by the emergence of numerous products addressing the problem of hair loss both in men and women. Why the proliferation of these products? It is simply because beauty or natural attractiveness is important to many, most especially to women. Although hair loss is a natural occurrence, which is associated with age, people, especially women, seem not able to accept it and will do whatever it takes to keep their attractiveness intact.
One of the most popular products on hair loss on the market today is Provillus. It's popularity stems from the fact that this product is an all natural hair loss product which has no side effects at all. The following are the things that make this product popular.
Firstly, the product offers solution to both men and women separately. The reason behind this is the fact that the component Saw Palmetto, present in men's version, may be potentially dangerous to unborn children. This in the positive light tells us that the makers have conducted extensive research for this product.
Secondly, Provillus aims to reverse the natural effects of hair loss, rather than providing an artificial solution to the problem. It gives you natural results without any side effects. Furthermore, it attempts to do this scientifically with natural ingredients. Natural hair loss is called Alopecia in which the hormone testosterone is responsible. This hormone when converted to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and added to the enzyme 5-alpha reductase will eventually cause atrophy of hair follicle causing thinning of hair, hair loss and no re-growth. This hormone is produced more by men compared to women. This is the reason why Saw Palmetto an FDA approved extract is one of its main ingredients. These extracts lessen the production of DHT, thus promoting the natural re-growth of hair. Aside from this main component it has Vitamin B6, zinc, magnesium, Goto Kola, pumpkin oil, biotin and other extracts that provide the nutrients necessary for a healthy scalp that will stimulate the natural hair growth cycle. All these ingredients helps to stop the side effects which can be caused by Provillus.
Thirdly, Provillus aims to provide preventive measure for those with slight hair loss problems and provides restoration by stimulating re-growth of hair to those with extreme hair loss problem. This product caters to everyone. According to the manufacturer, Provillus does not have any known side effects.
Fourth, Provillus is safe. It is basically safe because it is without chemical that may cause harm or negative side effects like other chemical based products that may even interfere with natural sexual functions.
Fifth, Provillus is easy to use. You don't need to have another treatment aid like creams or oils. It is taken orally and once taken the natural ingredients will work naturally in your body system. It is claimed that in 6 months time there are noticeable results already. So, in six months you can have that shiny, healthy hair.
Provillus side effects are never reported. It's a medically proved product that has no side effects at all.
Sixth, it comes with a money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with the product you may return it and have your money refunded.
With these six positive factors that make Provillus popular it is recommended for you to try. Remember it does not present any provillus side effects or harm, because it is a natural hair Loss Treatment.
There are so many products out there, it's difficult to make the correct choice. Below are some quick facts about products that aim to do the same thing as Provillus.
Procerin is another natural solution that has been showing good results in men with male pattern baldness. However the Procerin treatment is seen as a quick fix instead of a long term plan to combating hair loss.
Propecia is a hardcore chemical drug used to stop the production the negative testosterone that causes hair loss. This drug works well, but can have some major side effects such as headaches, low libido, low energy and even depression. This is certainly a last resort option.
Rogaine, also known as Regaine is a liquid solution that is applied to the scalp twice daily to promote hair growth. It has been showing good results with a low side effect ratio, however some men have been experiencing headaches during it's use.
John Howard has sinced written about articles on various topics from Forex Trading Forex, Forex Guide and Lose Weight. For your free course teaching you exactly how to stop using the natural remedy. John Howard's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.
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