Chantix (verenicline) is a prescription drug intented to help people stop smoking. It is marketed by the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2006. Chantix offers an alternative to other nicotine replacement therapy and is the first treatment of its type approved by the FDA.  It is frequently advertised now on television.

Despite the high hopes that this drug would benefit those people who were addicted to nicotine, the drug came under great scrutiny not long after being released. In November of 2007, the FDA released a preliminary assessment which highlighted the high number of suicide and attempted suicide reports involving consumers who had just recently started Chantix treatment.

Then, in early 2008, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory which stated that, “Serious neuropsychiatric symptoms have occurred in patients taking Chantix.” This advisory outlined the following symptoms:

• changes in behavior
• agitation
• depressed mood
• suicidal ideation
• attemped or completed suicide

Soon thereafter, the FDA instructed Pfizer to change its warnings regarding this drug.

In May of 2008, the Institute of Safe Medicine Practices released a study on Chantix which indicated a greater spectrum of side effects beyond suicide and depression. These side effects included:

• heart trouble
• seizures
• diabetes

In response to the study, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an immediate ban on the use of Chantix by its pilots and air traffic controllers after receiving an analysis of adverse events published by the Institute for Safe Medication regarding the alarming side effects.

If you or someone you know has taken Chantix and think you are experiencing any of the side effects mentioned above, please contact our office for a free consultation at 817-294-1900 or Contact Us Online.