Stop-smoking drug unsafe for pilots

0 Comments | USA TODAY, May, 2008 | by Rita Rubin

The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday removed the smoking cessation drug Chantix from the list of medications considered safe for pilots and air-traffic controllers after a study linked the medication to mental confusion and other problems that could put passengers at risk.

FAA spokesman Les Dorr said the agency took the step after reviewing the study, which raises concerns about Chantix use by people operating vehicles.

The study links the drug to loss of consciousness, lapses in alertness, dizziness and muscle spasms. Dorr said the FAA has not heard of crashes linked to Chantix. The FAA will send letters about the change to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, pilots unions and people "we know are taking" the drug.

The study was...