Chantix Patients Report Dangerous Side-Effects
January 30, 2009
Chantix, chemical name varenicline, is a drug sold by Pfizer to patients who wish to quit smoking. The drug works by affecting dopamine, nicotinic and other chemical transmitters in the brain. The rationale of Chanitx is that by activating these transmitters, a smoker's craving for nicotine, and the pleasure a smoker perceives from nicotine, will be reduced.
Patients taking Chantix have suffered dangerous and serious adverse side-effects. These side effects include agitation, depression, onset of psychiatric illness such as psychosis, mania, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and hallucinations. Chantix may lead to the recurrence of old psychiatric illness. Some patients have attempted or committed suicide. Chantix patients have reported serious accidents, including car accidents, while on the drug. In early 2008 and mid 2008, FDA issued an alerts about some of these serious adverse side-effects. While the rate at which these side-effects occur is not yet known, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices has reported that, by the end of 2007, Chantix accounted for more reports of serious drug adverse events in the United States than any other drug.
Pfizer has been slowly admitting that these Chantix side effects occur. In November 2007, the Chantix label was updated to mention in a "post-marketing experience" section that Pfizer had received reports of depression, agitation, changes in behavior and suicide in patients taking Chantix. In January 2008, Pfizer added more information to the label about potential risks of suicidal behavior, depression and other side effects.
If you wish to speak to us about a potential claim or an injury caused by Chantix. The attorneys
at Paris & Chaikin, PLLC, are available to answer your questions.
Consultations are free with no obligations. CALL OUR FIRM TODAY
AT 212-742-0476.
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