THE PIXIES - DEAL'S MEDICATION EFFECTS HER BRAIN

THE PIXIES star KIM DEAL has resorted to medication in a bid to quit smoking - but the drugs are turning her emotionally numb. The bassist kicked her damaging habit in November (07), and credits a drug called Cantrix with nullifying her cigarette cravings. However, she is convinced the pills are having an adverse effect on her brain - because she's feeling less "remorse" and "empathy with people". She says, "I quit smoking in November and I've been freaking out ever since. I've been taking this drug called Cantrix for three months and it's meant to stop the neurotransmitters in my brain from craving nicotine. OK, I've stopped wanting to smoke. "But I think it's done something to my brain. I'm having way more vivid dreams. Also, I have less empathy with people."