New Study Contradicts FDA, Says Pfizer Inc.'s Chantix Raises Suicide Risks

Pfizer's smoking cessation drug Chantix carries too many risks and should only be tried when other treatments fail, researchers said. Chantix was eight times more likely to be linked with a reported case of suicidal behavior or depression than other nicotine replacement products, such as the nicotine patch, they said. The findings contradict two studies released last month by the Food and Drug Administration that showed Chantix (sold as Champix outside the United States) did not increase the risk of being hospitalized for psychiatric problems such as depression.