Government
Drivers should not take anti-smoking drug Chantix
By Sue Mueller
May 25, 2008 - 5:34:25 PM

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The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Thursday said drivers of commercial motor vehicles should not use the anti-smoking drug Chantix because of its potential side effects.

The FMCSA announcement came only a day after the Federal Aviation Administration banned use of the drug by airplane pilots and air traffic controllers.

The agencies made the decisions in response to a study report by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices claiming that Chantix was linked to seizures, dizziness, heart rhythm problems, diabetes and more than 100 accidents, media reported.

According to the report, the drug was associated with 988 serious incidents in the last quarter of 2007.

The FDA has already updated warnings on Chantix’s label to reflect the adverse effects including depression and suicidal thoughts.   But the report urges stronger warnings.   The FDA has not responded to the report.