The FDA released another safety warning regarding the anti-smoking drug Chantix today.

The drug has been available to patients since May 2006—less than two years—and already it has been linked to several adverse reports, including suicidal thoughts and actions, anxiety, depression, and other serious neuropsychiatric symptoms. Drowsiness is also another major symptom of Chantix, and patients taking the drug may not be able to drive cars or operate heavy machinery safely.
 
The FDA is warning patients to contact their doctors immediately if they notice any mood swings or behavioral changes. So far, the FDA has received more than 34 reports of suicides and 400 reports of suicidal behavior in patients taking Chantix.
 
In fact, a Texas musician, Carter Albrecht, was shot and killed after almost knocking down a neighbor’s door in a drunken rage. Albrecht was taking Chantix, and investigators have linked his rage, and his death, to the drug.
 
Many believe Chantrix is more successful in helping people quit smoking and easing nicotine withdrawal symptoms than Zyban, another anti-smoking drug. However, patients are urged to talk to their doctors about risks associated with Chantrix.