Revealed: Terrifying side effects of Champix, from seizures to suicidal thoughts - as NHS relaunches controversial stop smoking drug READ MORE: Anti-smoking pill rolled out on NHS may save THOUSANDS of lives By EMILY STEARN, SENIOR HEALTH REPORTER FOR MAILONLINE Published: 09:13, 14 November 2024 | Updated: 09:13, 14 November 2024 e-mail View comments A 'game-changer' anti-smoking pill set to be rolled out on the NHS has been linked to more than 25,000 reports of alarming side effects including seizures, personality changes and suicidal thoughts. The UK's drug watchdog has warned that the testimonies indicate 'a suspicion' the drug, called Champix, may be to blame for the ill-effects. The daily pill was first marketed in the UK by Pfizer in 2006.
However, it was withdrawn in 2021 after being found to contain elevated levels of the potentially cancer-causing compound N-nitroso-varenicline. Now, the drug, which triples the odds of quitting smoking, will again be offered on the health service but manufactured by different pharmaceutical company Teva UK. Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, this week hailed the medicine (also known as varenicline) a 'game-changer' and a major step towards creating a 'smoke-free generation'.
Yet experts today warned the severity of such side effects should not be underplayed and patients must be monitored for mental health effects. The drug reduces cravings for nicotine and also helps with withdrawal symptoms such as feeling irritable.