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Chantix Side Effects

ABC News/Washington Times Investigation Leads to Action: 32,000 Vets To Be Warned About Suicide-Linked Drug Chantix

Health Canada: New Safety Information regarding CHAMPIX (USA: CHANTIX).pdf

Chantix is a smoking cessation medication marketed by Pfizer, Inc. that was approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006, Chantix side effects may include suicidal thoughts, depression and even violent behavior.   In September 2007, Chantix side effects were implicated in the bizarre death of a Dallas, Texas man.

The Chantix label warns of various side effects, including nausea, changes in dreaming, constipation, gas and vomiting.    But those warnings are more prominent and easier to find than the fine print on the package insert that warns of the possibility of psychotic and suicidal behavior. But since its approval, more and more Chantix users have reported these terrifying side effects.

Chantix works by blocking nicotine receptors, thereby reducing cravings for and decreases the pleasurable effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products.   Chantix is the first such nicotine receptor partial agonist approved by the FDA.  It is an alternative to other smoking cessation drugs and nicotine replacement therapy.

Chantix Violent Behavior and the Death of Carter Albrecht
Chantix and the resulting side effects may have played a part in the death of prominent Dallas musician Carter Albrecht.  Albrecht, best known as a member of Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians, started taking Chantix in late August 2007.   He was well liked in the community, and had no prior history of violence.  Immediately, Albrecht began to complain of vivid, hallucinatory dreams (a Chantix side effect). One night about a week after he started taking Chantix, Albrecht had a violent encounter with his girlfriend.   The episode occurred after Albrecht had consumed a couple of alcoholic drinks.  Albrecht’s girlfriend reported that he was confused, and did not recognize her.  Before the night was over, Albrecht had been shot dead by a terrified neighbor on whose property he had trespassed.

After Albrecht’s death, many other Chantix users complained of similar episodes of violent or suicidal behavior, especially when they had consumed alcohol.   The Chantix label does caution against alcohol use, but it does not warn that drinking alcohol while taking Chantix could lead to violent or suicidal behavior.  Furthermore, Chantix’s reaction with alcohol has not been studied in clinical trials. 

Legal Help for Victims of Chantix
If you or a loved one has been injured by Chantix, you may have valuable legal rights.  Please fill out the form at the right for a free case review by a qualified attorney.