The FDA released an Early Communication warning about the smoking cessation drug Chanitx on November 20, 2007. Chantix has been linked to suicidal thoughts, aggressive and erratic behavior, and drowsiness in patients. The FDA is conducting an ongoing safety review and will continue to monitor the drug.

What are some important things I should know about Chantix?

Chantix is manufactured by Pfizer and has been available to patients since May 2006. Chantix was designed to work inside areas of the brain to curb the effects of nicotine and ease nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Approximately 45 million adults in the U.S. smoke cigarettes. Studies of Chantrix claim the drug is more successful in helping people quit than the drug Zyban. Sales of the drug reached more than $100 million in 2006.

However, Chantrix has been linked to several serious side effects and adverse reactions, and patients should talk to their doctors about the risks.

Who is Chantix for?

Chantrix is designed for adults who want to stop smoking. Most people who take Chantrix are heavy smokers (an average of 20 cigarettes per day for several years) who have unsuccessfully tried to stop smoking on their own.

Chantrix is prescribed in a 12-week treatment course, and users may continue treatment with an additional 12 weeks to increase the effectiveness.

What side effects can Chantix cause?

Chantix can cause suicidal thoughts, aggressive and erratic behavior, and drowsiness. These side effects can be serious and fatal. The FDA is still investigating at least one incident and one violent death related to Chantix. One Dallas musician, Carter Albrecht, was fatally shot by a man after Albrecht tried to kick down his door in a rage. Albrecht’s family is blaming his rage on Chantix.

Other people have also experienced aggressive and erratic behavior like Albrecht’s that they believe Chantix caused. There have also been a few reports of violent abuse.

Suicidal thoughts include extreme anxiety and depression and thoughts of harming or killing one’s self. The FDA is investigating possible links to recent suicides and Chantix.

The drowsiness that Chantix can cause is also extremely dangerous. Patients taking Chantix should use extreme caution when operating heavy machinery or driving.

When should I contact my doctor?

Patients should contact their doctors immediately if they notice any symptoms associated with Chantix, including:

• depression
• anxiety
• suicidal thoughts
• thoughts of harming others • rage • drowsiness • aggression
• erratic behavior

Also, people who have been injured because of Chantix should immediately seek the advice of a personal injury attorney.