Prescription Stop Smoking Medicine, Chantix, Linked to Serious Side Effects

It has been shown that many patients who take Chantix to help stop smoking have suffered severe mood changes, resulting in attempted suicide, suicide, or self -harm.  If you or someone you love has shown these severe side effects after using the drug Chantix, it is important that you receive help immediately.  You may also have a case against the drug company, Pfizer, that manufactures Chantix.

The drug used in Chantix is varenicline tartrate, and is produced and sold by Pfizer, Inc.  In February 2006, the FDA allowed Pfizer to shorten the evaluation process from 10 months to 6 months because previous trials had shown effectiveness.  It was approved in August 2006 for sale in the US.

 

How Chantix Helps Stop Smoking

Chantix is sold in .5mg or 1mg tablets, taken orally over 12 weeks.  The medication binds with nictotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are the same receptors in the brain that nicotine binds to.  The medication does not encourage a dopamine release like nicotine does, and when the user smokes, the nicotine will not be able to bind to the receptors.  The overall effect is reduced cravings and reducing the enjoyment of tobacco, helping the user to quit.

 

Other Dangerous or Severe Side Effects from Chantix

Because of the severity of side effects associated with the use of Chantix, the FDA gave the drug its most serious safety label, the black box warning, in July of 2009.  The warning says that there is a high chance of mental health problems when using Chantix.  There is also an increased risk of heart problems, include stroke and heart attack.  According to studies completed in 2011, patients who take Chantix have an overall 72% increased risk for developing adverse cardiovascular events and serious heart disease.

Making a Case

Every situation is unique, but if you believe that taking Chantix has resulted in your or a loved one having severe depression, suicide or thoughts of suicide, or have developed heart disease, it is important that you contact us right away.  Our group of Chantix lawyers can help determine the best course of action for you.