Reports Show Chantix Can Lead to Self Harm and Harm to Others

Concerns over a potential increased risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems among some users of the smoking cessation drug Chantix has led federal regulators to require new warnings for smokers who are considering the prescription medication. For more than 2 1/2 years now, Chantix lawyers have been representing individuals and families severely injured or killed as a result of this popular prescription medication. While Chantix is designed to help people stop smoking, it has been linked to hundreds or reports of serious injuries or deaths among users and those close to them. In addition to increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide with Chantix, users have found that the smoking cessation drug has caused them to lash out at the nearest person in an “uncontrollable rage,” which can result in serious or fatal injuries for both users and their friends or family.

Chantix (varenicline) was approved in the United States by the FDA in 2006 as a prescription medication to help people quit smoking. However, the many dangerous Chantix side effects do not outweigh the benefits of this drug. The drug works by reducing the positive feelings that come from cigarettes, blocking the receptors in the brain commonly stimulated by nicotine. However, the impact of the drug on the brain has resulted in a number of reports from users who experienced sudden, unusually aggressive behavior, thoughts of self-harm and suicide. The FDA encouraged smokers to continue using Chantix to attempt to quit, but warned that they should immediately contact a health care professional if they experienced shortness of breath, trouble breathing, new or worsening chest pain, or new or worsening pain in the legs while walking.

Despite the clear association between Chantix and violent behavior, Pfizer continues to defend their blockbuster medication and claims that there is no scientific evidence that Chantix has caused incidents of violent behavior. Although new warnings were added to the medication about the risk of suicide and other psychiatric side effects, not enough is being done to warn consumers and physicians about the risk of violent or aggressive behaviors with Chantix, which can have a devastating impact on their user and their family. Those suffering from the side effects of Chantix are advised to contact an experienced Chantix lawyer to ensure proper representation in filing a Chantix lawsuit.