Chantix (varenicline) is a prescription medication designed to help people quit smoking. It was approved in 2006 and has quickly become a very popular medication for people who have had a difficult time breaking their smoking addiction. By blocking the receptors commonly stimulated by nicotine, Chantix reduces the positive feelings that come from cigarettes. Since its release, Chantix has come under serious scrutiny due to a myriad of serious side-effects associated with the drug. Although Pfizer had high hopes that the medication would become a top selling drug for the pharmaceutical company, concerns about serious and potentially life-threatening side effects of Chantix have limited use of the medication.
Chantix Psychological Problems Become Apparent
In November 2007 the FDA issued a statement that they are reviewing the possible Chantix suicide side effects and that there have been over 100 reports received of suicidal thoughts and severe behavior changes within a few weeks of taking the drug. Most recently, the estates of a couple killed in a murder-suicide two years ago filed a Chantix lawsuit against Pfizer Inc.—one of many such lawsuits the drugmaker now faces. This lawsuit alleges that Chantix prompted the rage that led to the fatal events in which Sean Wain, 34, killed his wife Natalie, 33, before killing himself in May 2009. The Wain’s had four children. Mr. Wain was taking Chantix for one week prior to the murder-suicide.
In addition to concerns about Chantix suicide side effects, the FDA has also indicated that they are reviewing reports that the medication could cause problems while driving a car or operating heavy machinery. While there were only a small number of reported Chantix driving problems, the FDA pointed out that they all describe a very similar situations with symptoms of drowsiness leading to difficulty while operating a car. These symptoms and those of people on the drug simply forgetting hours at a time of their day, have led to there being a ban on Chantix being prescribed to policemen and firemen. In June 2011, the FDA required new warnings about the increased risk of Chantix heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems that some users may face in addition to all these dangerous side-effects.
In addition to concerns about Chantix suicide side effects, the FDA has also indicated that they are reviewing reports that the medication could cause problems while driving a car or operating heavy machinery. While there were only a small number of reported Chantix driving problems, the FDA pointed out that they all describe a very similar situations with symptoms of drowsiness leading to difficulty while operating a car. These symptoms and those of people on the drug simply forgetting hours at a time of their day, have led to there being a ban on Chantix being prescribed to policemen and firemen. In June 2011, the FDA required new warnings about the increased risk of Chantix heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems that some users may face in addition to all these dangerous side-effects.
