In my last post, I outlined the details of a supposedly revolutionary new quit smoking-drug called Chantix. From my initial research on the products, it seems that Chantix is too good to be true. Simply take a pill everyday, and within a few months nicotine and cigarettes will no longer be a necessary part of your daily routine. However, after doing further research, I uncovered some extremely troubling details about common side effects that have been discovered to arise from taking Chantix.
Startling numbers of Chantix users have reported suicidal/depressive thoughts in association with Chantix. The frequency of these adverse reactions have been so high that the FDA has forced Pfizer, the drug company that produces Chantix, to place a new warning label on the drug. In an FDA News Release issued on July 1st, 2009, the FDA "announced that it is requiring manufacturers to put a Boxed Warning on the prescribing information for the smoking cessation drugs Chantix (varenicline) and Zyban (bupropion). The warning will highlight the risk of serious mental health events including changes in behavior, depressed mood, hostility, and suicidal thoughts when taking these drugs." (From http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm170100.htm).
This particular warning being placed on Chantix is the strongest warning that can be placed upon a prescription medication. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed in connection with this issue against Pfizer, as it has been alleged that Pfizer was negligent in informing the public about the potentially extremely dangerous side effects that come with taking their product. Even more alarming are the statistics of such behaviors related to taking Chantix:
Between May 2006 and December 2007, the FDA received the following serious adverse event reports associated with the use of Chantix:227 reports of suicidal acts, thoughts or behavior397 cases of possible psychosis525 reports of hostility or aggression
(From http://www.youhavealawyer.com/chantix/chantix-suicide.html)
As I continued to search the internet for information about the effectiveness and results of Chantix, I became increasingly turned off from these supposedly life changing medication as the reactions to the drug I was reading about were overwhelmingly negative. I found myself sifting over and over through accounts by people who had tried Chantix and were soon bombarded with depression, suicidal thoughts, nightmares, and hallucinations. Perhaps the most interesting and troubling account I read was here: http://nymag.com/news/features/43892/index2.html. This is one man's account of his experience on Chantix, and how it transformed him from a normal guy just looking to quit smoking to a borderline psychotic main whose brain was flooded with irrational, uncharacteristic, and self-destructive thoughts.
While I did come across a somewhat substantial number of accounts of the drugs success, Accounts of ineffectiveness and extreme negative side effects of this drug outweighed the potential benefits it may hold. Furthermore, the fact that this drug is so new and experimental in its nature also furthers my beliefs that these troubling side effects are legitimate and real.
When I first read about Chantix, I was seriously considering pursuing it as an option to help me rid myself of my nicotine. But after doing substantial research about the product, the potential dangers of it far outweigh its potential effectiveness. As I continue in my quest of conquering nicotine addiction, I can assure you I will not be using Chantix as a potential aid.
Startling numbers of Chantix users have reported suicidal/depressive thoughts in association with Chantix. The frequency of these adverse reactions have been so high that the FDA has forced Pfizer, the drug company that produces Chantix, to place a new warning label on the drug. In an FDA News Release issued on July 1st, 2009, the FDA "announced that it is requiring manufacturers to put a Boxed Warning on the prescribing information for the smoking cessation drugs Chantix (varenicline) and Zyban (bupropion). The warning will highlight the risk of serious mental health events including changes in behavior, depressed mood, hostility, and suicidal thoughts when taking these drugs." (From http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm170100.htm).
This particular warning being placed on Chantix is the strongest warning that can be placed upon a prescription medication. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed in connection with this issue against Pfizer, as it has been alleged that Pfizer was negligent in informing the public about the potentially extremely dangerous side effects that come with taking their product. Even more alarming are the statistics of such behaviors related to taking Chantix:
Between May 2006 and December 2007, the FDA received the following serious adverse event reports associated with the use of Chantix:227 reports of suicidal acts, thoughts or behavior397 cases of possible psychosis525 reports of hostility or aggression
(From http://www.youhavealawyer.com/chantix/chantix-suicide.html)
As I continued to search the internet for information about the effectiveness and results of Chantix, I became increasingly turned off from these supposedly life changing medication as the reactions to the drug I was reading about were overwhelmingly negative. I found myself sifting over and over through accounts by people who had tried Chantix and were soon bombarded with depression, suicidal thoughts, nightmares, and hallucinations. Perhaps the most interesting and troubling account I read was here: http://nymag.com/news/features/43892/index2.html. This is one man's account of his experience on Chantix, and how it transformed him from a normal guy just looking to quit smoking to a borderline psychotic main whose brain was flooded with irrational, uncharacteristic, and self-destructive thoughts.
While I did come across a somewhat substantial number of accounts of the drugs success, Accounts of ineffectiveness and extreme negative side effects of this drug outweighed the potential benefits it may hold. Furthermore, the fact that this drug is so new and experimental in its nature also furthers my beliefs that these troubling side effects are legitimate and real.
When I first read about Chantix, I was seriously considering pursuing it as an option to help me rid myself of my nicotine. But after doing substantial research about the product, the potential dangers of it far outweigh its potential effectiveness. As I continue in my quest of conquering nicotine addiction, I can assure you I will not be using Chantix as a potential aid.
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