The Food and Drug Administration recently introduced requirements for manufacturers of two smoking cessation drugs to warn doctors and patients about neuropsychiatric problems. The two drugs are varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban/Wellbutrin).

The warnings are for suicidal thoughts and behavior plus depression, hostility and agitation. The FDA suggests that doctors should discuss the risks with patients and weigh them against the risks of smoking. Doctors should also actively monitor the patients and even get their families to help in the monitoring.

The manufacturers will develop guides about the medication and run clinical trials to determine the mental health risks.