Violence and Suicide? There’s a Chantix for That

Chantix is the popular drug that has been used by thousands of people to quit smoking. These same thousands of people have since found out that Chantix comes loaded with some seriously potent side effects. The most serious of these are the violent, aggressive, and suicidal actions that this drug brings out from its users.
The Food and Drug Administration has maintained that all drugs have side effects, and that they are allowed to stay available to the public as long as the benefits of the drugs outweigh the risks involved in taking them. Interestingly enough, for Chantix, the scales might have finally tipped.

Chantix Brings Out the Worst in People

In a new study titled “Prescription Drugs Associated with Reports of Violence Towards Others,” the Institute for Safe Medication Practices outlined a large list of dangerous drugs that have been shown to cause violent behavior.
Coming in at the number one spot was Chantix. This drug has been linked to aggression and suicide since the day it was released. By blocking the reward system of the body, and keeping dopamine from being released in the brain, Chantix helped people to quit smoking by keeping nicotine from being pleasurable. Unfortunately, blocking dopamine production also leads to suicidal thoughts and aggressive behavior.

Chantix Gets a Black Box Warning

In June of 2009, Chantix was outfitted with a black box warning detailing most of its more serious side effects. The warning stated that some users of the drug have experienced aggression, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Pfizer was also told to conduct clinical trials to show how often using Chantix would lead to abnormal behavior.
The research that was done found that Chantix violence was unprovoked and unexplainable. They also found that there are no precursors to Chantix violence. The aggressive and suicidal behavior usually came on quickly. The good news is that when the subjects stopped taking Chantix, they returned to normal.

The Relationship Between Chantix and Suicide

One shocking case involving Chantix is that of a 47 year old woman who assaulted and yelled at her daughters before taking her own life with a handgun. She had been on Chantix for a month. Another case is that of a man who choked his wife in a frenzied rage, and then hung himself. He was only on Chantix for 8 days.

Chantix Violence is Serious

Researchers who have been following the drug for a while say that Chantix violence needs more attention in the media. Patients should be warned of the risk of having violent thoughts on Chantix. Any abnormal behavior while on the drug should be reported to your doctor right away.