Chantix is an oral medication prescribed to individuals who are trying to quit smoking. However, recent reports from patient's taking the drug have associated it with depressive side effects including suicidal thoughts, behaviors and psychotic episodes. The FDA has increased the warning label of the drug and are encouraging patient's using the medication to speak with their doctors immediately if any of these side effects occur.
On February 1st, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health advisory, giving new information about the risks of taking the prescription medicine Chantix, or Varencline Tartrate. It stated that the drug's manufacturer, Pfizer, had reviewed and updated the prescription information for the drug, adding warnings alerting people to risks of intense mood and behavior changes. Further, it reiterated the necessity of communication between patients and their doctors regarding previous psychiatric illness, stating again that Varencline could not only be responsible for new conditions, but also exacerbate existing conditions or rekindle previous conditions. Additionally, it issued several warnings:
* Patients should tell their doctor about any history of psychiatric illness prior to starting Chantix. Chantix may cause worsening of a current psychiatric illness even if it is currently under control and may cause an old psychiatric illness to reoccur.
* It is extremely important for individuals who are taking Chantix or who have a friend or family member taking the drug to be aware of the dangers and to monitor themselves or their family member/friend for an increase in mood swings and erratic behavior. Symptoms may include anxiety, nervousness, tension, depressed mood, unusual behaviors and thinking about or attempting suicide. In most cases, neuropsychiatric symptoms developed during Chantix treatment, but in others, symptoms developed following withdrawal of Chantix therapy.
* Patients taking Chantix should immediately report changes in mood and behavior to their doctor.
* Patients taking Chantix may experience vivid, unusual, or strange dreams.
* Chantix may also cause a patient to be impaired from operating heavy machinery or from driving.
While Chantix has demonstrated clear evidence of efficacy, it is important to consider these safety concerns and alert patients that they are possible.
These are not the first Chantix warnings announced by the FDA. After reports of close to 40 suicides and more than 400 suicidal behaviors being linked to Chantix, the FDA began investigating and studying the drug in late 2007. A link between Chantix and serious psychiatric complications became progressively probable. Additionally, the FDA determined that there might be other adverse side effects of Chantix such as the further worsening of preexisting psychiatric illness or causing a recurrence of past psychiatric issues. Two weeks after this initial FDA report, Pfizer added stronger Chantix warning labels to the drug, stating publicly that while a direct link between Chantix and the reported psychiatric problems did not exist, the possibility of Chantix-induced psychotic episodes could not be ruled out.
Most recently, the FDA has been evaluating reports that in addition to erratic behavior in patients taking Chantix, suicidal thoughts, depression, and changes in the emotional state are present in many cases. These Chantix psychiatric adverse events can set in within days or weeks of beginning the Chantix treatment. In fact, many patients taking the medicine have posted their feelings online, seeking support after a highly-publicized shooting was linked by the media to the drug. Most of these people describe intense nightmares, paralyzing depression, consuming apathy, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide. Many of these cases were linked to alcohol consumption and the interaction that it has with the drug. While there is not a definitive Chantix-suicide connection in a controlled testing, there is ever-mounting evidence raising concern.
While there is not as of yet a current Chantix class-action lawsuit against the manufacturer, Pfizer, the public outcry for reform, reparation and compensation for the damages done grows larger every day. Because of the FDA's reviews of the drug, it is likely that a legal case or lawsuit against its makers will occur. To be sure, even Pfizer admits to a certain risk of taking the drug, although none so serious as the actuality of many of the cases. Individuals with a history of mental illness should avoid taking Chantix, and individuals who are affected by Chantix or who know an individual affected by Chantix side effects should contact a medical professional immediately.
Once the health of anyone taking Chantix has been assured, it may be in the best interest of any Chantix patient or their families to consider contacting an expert Chantix law firm in order to receive experienced counsel on possible Chantix damages that may be sought for those effected by the possible danger of Chantix suicide. If you or your loved ones have been affected by the adverse side effects of Chantix, simply fill out the Chantix attorney referral for on this page to be put in touch with a qualified Chantix lawyer in your area.
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