Chantix: Dangerous Anti-Smoking Drug

Special Alert: February 2008

Chantix Suicidality Warning

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported findings that link Chantix to an increased risk of psychiatric problems. These may include agitation, changes in behavior, depression, and suicidal tendancies.

Prior to this FDA warning, Pfizer announced updated Chantix drug warning labels. The new labels feature a more prominent warning of the drug’s connection with increased agitation and suicidality.

What is Chantix?

Chantix is the brand name for varenicline, prescription medication used to treat smoking addiction. The drug is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist, meaning it reduces cravings for cigarettes and tobacco internally instead of supplying an alternate nicotine fix. Manufactured by Pfizer, Chantix was approved by the FDA in 2006 for use as a smoking cessation drug.

Possible Side Effects of Taking Chantix

Overview of Chantix

July 2009 – People using Chantix were warned about reports received by the FDA that linked the drug to mental illness. The agency received 98 suicide and 188 suicide attempt reports from people using Chantix. The medication received the FDA's most serious caution, a black box warning.

May 2008 – The Federal Aviation Administration removed Chantix from the list of medications considered safe for pilots. At that time, a new study linked the medication to bad reactions, like mental confusion, that can put passengers at risk. That study also linked Chantix to side effects including loss of consciousness, lapses in alertness, dizziness, and muscle spasms.

January 2008 – Pfizer updated the Chantix drug label to include a more prominent warning about its side effects of agitation and suicidality. Shortly thereafter in February 2008, the FDA confirmed a strong link between Chantix and suicidal behavior, noting the drug’s connection to nearly 40 suicide reports and over 400 instances of suicidal activity.

November 2007– Chantix came under scrutiny after the FDA announced an ongoing investigation into the connection between Chantix and erratic behavior. The investigation was intensified by the highly-publicized death of a musician whose aggression was attributed to his use of Chantix.

You Need Experienced Lawyers Who Understand Dangerous Drug Cases to Fight On Your Side

If you or a loved one have been hurt due to taking Chantix, you need to act quickly. When our drug injury attorneys and staff get involved with your case, we immediately get to work investigating the cause of your drug reaction and fighting for your legal rights to fair compensation.