Suicides and Violence Blamed on Chantix

Chantix was approved in the United States by the FDA in 2006, and treats nicotine addiction by reducing the positive feelings that come from cigarettes, blocking the receptors in the brain commonly stimulated by nicotine. However, the medication has been associated with an increased risk of neuropsychiatric injuries leading to behavioral changes, depression, aggression, agitation, hostility, rage, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and, in many cases, successful suicide. Approximately to 300 Chantix depression and suicides incidents have been reported to the FDA.

Although no studies have compared cold turkey to Chantix, researchers have studied Chantix against NRT’s (nicotine replacement therapies). While one study showed that Chantix appeared to be more effective than NicoDerm CQ in the short term, after a year, the success rate was statistically the same for both Chantix and NRT users. Also, if Chantix were as helpful as Pfizer claims, then smoking rate in America ought to be descending. Since Chantix first appeared on the market, however, the adult smoking rate increased by one percent.

In October 2009, the federal Chantix litigation was consolidated as part of an MDL, or multidistrict litigation, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, where Chantix lawsuits filed in U.S. District Courts throughout the country are being coordinated for pretrial litigation before one judge. The lawsuit alleges that Pfizer failed to adequately research their medication or warn about the risk of violent behavior from Chantix.

Pfizer said it warns users and their doctors to monitor "neuropsychiatric symptoms," and that patients who become hostile, aggressive or suicidal should immediately stop using the drug. In 2008, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices or ISMP issued a report that blamed Chantix for 1,001 serious incidents involving users of the medication in the first quarter of that year. At the time, the ISMP said that's more adverse events than reported for any other prescription drug. Those suffering from the effects of Chantix are highly advised to consult with an experienced Chantix lawyer to ensure proper representation in filling a lawsuit.