Question for the Flight Physician

"Mortimer Schnerd, RN" mschnerdatcarolina.rr.com wrote in message
...
Is the FAA aware of a new anti-smoking drug called Chantix? More to the
point, do hey have an official position on it? For most of my career, we
always used Nicoderm patches on those inpatients who smoked... with very
uneven results. I have, within the last few months, become aware of
Chantix and its ability to totally kill the desire to smoke. Before I
suggest it to a friend of mine who flies for a commuter, I want to be able
to say one way or the other if it will affect his ability to fly while
he's taking it. If not, I'm just going to keep my mouth shut; he'd never
look into it in that case.

Gentlemen?

Although it doesn't agree with Dr. Atkielski's advice, I found this when I
googled AOPA CHANTIX:

http://www.vansairforce.net/old_news.htm
- TRYING TO STOP SMOKING?...from aopa site
The FAA allows pilots taking a new smoking-cessation drug, Chantix, to
continue flying as long as they have a status report from their treating
physician that confirms they have not experienced any adverse side effects.
Chewing gums that help you stop smoking are also permitted. But a
prescription medication, Bupropion, marketed as Zyban and Wellbutrin, which
is commonly prescribed for smoking cessation, is an antidepressant and
cannot be taken while flying. Current FAA policy does not allow pilots to
fly while using antidepressants. If you are using Bupropion to stop smoking,
you must be off it for 30 days before flying.