Chantix Possibly Linked to Suicide and Other Troubling Side Effects
What is Chantix?
Chantix (Varenicline) is a drug that Pfizer brought to market as an innovative solution to quitting smoking. Chantix binds to the same receptors in the patient’s brain where the nicotine from the patient’s cigarettes would normally attempt to bind. Because those receptors are already bonded with Chantix, if that person attempted to smoke a cigarette, the dopamine rush that normally occurs after a puff never happens. The patient is then faced only with the reportedly disgusting taste of cigarettes without the pleasant buzz that normally accompanies smoking. This solution appeared to be one that many smokers were anxious to try. Problems with side-effects of the drug began to surface not long after the drug was brought to market.
Click here to view the FDA's Early Communication RE:Chantix
What Side Effects are Chantix Patients Experiencing?
Many experience nausea, constipation, flatulence, or vomiting, but more worrying side effects included nightmares, insomnia, depression and suicidal thoughts. The chemical binding of Chantix to patient’s pleasure receptors may have severely impaired their ability to derive enjoyment from normal, healthy activites. Depression and suicidal thoughts were reported by many Chantix users, and claims that taking Chantix brought about severe behavioral changes in many others have surfaced. Reports of several people actually killing themselves while on Chantix, or shortly after discontinuing its use, have alarmed many in the healthcare community.
Click here to view the FDA's Labeling Information UPDATED
The FDA Issues a Public Health Advisory on Chantix
In February 2008 the FDA issued an alert to highlight important changes to the Warnings and Precautions sections of the prescription information for Chantix. The FDA reported that “serious neuropsychiatric symptoms have occurred in patients taking Chantix.” In light of the serious side effects that Chantix users experience, the FDA has requested that Pfizer modify the way in which it describes the potential side effects of the drug.
Click here to view the FDA's Public Health Advisory RE:Chantix
Contact US
Seeger Weiss LLP is investigating claims that Chantix has affected users in ways that were not prominently disclosed by Pfizer. Claims of physiological side effects such as heart attacks, liver failure, Stevens Johnson Syndrome (a serious skin disorder) are of interest in addition to the psychological effects previously noted such as depression or suicide. If you or a family member has used Chantix (Varenicline) and noticed adverse side effects you should contact a physician immediately. If you would like to discuss your rights please fill out the form linked below and a member of Seeger Weiss LLP's experienced staff will call you to discuss your potential rights. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part, all initial consultations are free of charge and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma and its attorneys are available to practice in courts throughout the country.
Link To Lawyer Seek's Chantix Use & Suicides Possibly Linked Content:
<a href='http://www.lawyerseek.com/Practice/In-The-News-C20/Chantix-Use-Suicides-Possibly-Linked-P169/'>Chantix Use & Suicides Possibly Linked: Lawyer Seek</a> |
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