We have heard a bit of news today that has suggested that the NHS is conducting an inquiry into the side effects associated with Champix, the successful smoking cessation drug. Apparently the NHS has had 839 reports of adverse side effects in the three months to the end of September. To be honest, we are not surprised by this number as there are quite a few of our patients reporting minor side effects such as nausea or difficulty sleeping. However, the more worrying figure is the 16 people who have reported suicidal thoughts while on the medication. It is probably this side effect that the authorities will want to concentrate on and it would definitely be worth investigating whether any of these people had previously had suicidal thoughts or had ever suffered from depression. As a precaution, we never prescribe Champix to patients with a history of depression.