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Anti-smoking drug Chantix Linked to Suicidal Thoughts, Violent Behavior and Psychotic Episodes

January 2008 -- Pfizer announced that it is strengthening the U.S. warnings on its smoking cessation drug Chantix (varenicline). The updated label warnings ask doctors to monitor their patients for incidences of depressed mood, agitation, suicidal thinking and suicidal behavior, which have been reported among some Chantix users. Until now, this information had been in a less prominent section of the instructions.

The updated warnings follow the FDA’s announcement in November 2007 that it is conducting an Ongoing Safety Review of Pfizer’s Chantix amid post-marketing reports of suicidal thoughts and aggressive and erratic behavior in patients who have taken the drug. The FDA is reviewing these cases, along with other reports of patients experiencing drowsiness that affected their ability to drive or operate machinery. A preliminary assessment reveals that many of the cases reflect new-onset of depressed mood, suicidal ideation, and changes in emotion and behavior within days to weeks of beginning Chantix treatment.

How Chantix Works

Chantix is a prescription drug approved by the FDA in May 2006 to help adult cigarette smokers stop smoking. Chantix does not contain nicotine. It works by stimulating nicotine receptors in the brain, just as nicotine does, but blocks the nicotine from attaching to them, reducing the pleasurable effects of tobacco as well as the desire to smoke.

Chantix Side Effects

Common side effects associated with Chantix use include nausea, depression, anxiety, heart palpitations and vivid dreams. It has also been linked to more serious side effects such as erratic and violent behavior, psychotic episodes and suicidal thoughts.

 
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If you or someone you know has taken Chantix and has suffered any serious side effects, please fill out this form or call us at 1-800-275-0192 for an immediate response regarding your rights and information about compensation for injuries.

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FDA Issues Public Health Advisory on Chantix
FDA Issues Public Health Advisory on Chantix 2008 02 01 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today issued a Public Health Advisory to alert health care providers, patients, and caregivers to new safety warnings concerning Chantix (varenicline), a
Pfizer Beefs Up Warnings on Chantix
Pfizer Beefs Up Warnings on Chantix 2008 01 20 Pfizer’s antismoking pill Chantix is getting sterner warnings about changes in behavior that could make some smokers think twice before taking the pill. Depressed mood, agitation, suicidal thinking and suicidal