smoking treatments Chantrix?

[dingo222]

Have you heard of Chantrix from pfizer? I guess it's some sort of stop smoking treatment that works a little different than traditional patchs, gums etc. Is this or Zyban worth the money, and are they cleared by the FAA for a 1st class medical? Any help would be appreciated!

[My Flight Surgeon]

I talked to the Region Flight Surgeon's office today and Chantrix has not yet been approved by the FAA. Zyban is also not approved.

I would guess that Chantrix will become approved after it is reviewed. It is too new to have undergone that review at the FAA yet.

If it is approved, it will be a good option. You will have to take it for 6 months at a cost of about $110 a month (less than Zyban). The success rate in smoking cessation with Chantrix is reported at 40%

[killbilly]

Along the Zyban question...

Both Zyban and Wellbutrin are the same drug - buproprion - right?

If a physician prescribes Zyban for smoking treatment instead of Wellbutrin for depression, do the SSRI rules apply from the earlier thread?

[My Flight Surgeon]

Yes they are the same drug. It is the class of drug that is disqualifying.

[killbilly]

So, if you have no problems with depression, you can compromise your medical if you take Zyban.

I understand the rule. It just seems like a silly one.

[My Flight Surgeon]

You are correct. I didn't say I agreed with it. As I have said before, we all live with the FAA's rule when we elect to become pilots.