Chantix Lawsuits

Last Updated: September 2009 • 108 Comments

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The anti-smoking drug Chantix has been linked to an increased risk of suicides, suicide attempts, aggressive and unusual behavior. The FDA has received hundreds of reports involving serious and sometimes fatal injuries linked to psychiatric side effects, and required that a black box warning about the Chantix suicide risk be placed on the medication.

STATUS OF CHANTIX LITIGATION: Potential lawsuits are being by attorneys on behalf of individuals throughout the United States. All federal Chantix lawsuits have been consolidated in an MDL that is centralized in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

>>HAVE A CHANTIX LAWSUIT REVIEWED BY A LAWYER<<

MANUFACTURER: Pfizer, Inc.

OVERVIEW: Chantix (varenicline) is a prescription medication approved to help people quit smoking. It was approved in 2006 and has quickly become a very popular medication for people who have had a difficult time breaking their smoking addiction. By blocking the receptors commonly stimulated by nicotine, Chantix reduces the positive feelings that come from cigarettes.

In November 2007, the FDA issued an early communication regarding an emerging safety concern which linked the use of Chantix to reports of suicides, suicidal thoughts and sudden changes in behavior. In February 2008, the FDA issued a statement which suggested that their evaluation indicates it is “increasingly likely that there may be an association between Chantix and serious neuropsychiatric symptoms.” In June 2009, the FDA required Pfizer to add a prominently displayed boxed warning about the risk of behavior changes, depression, hostility and suicidal thoughts, which is the strongest warning that can be placed on a prescription medication.

When Chantix was introduced, Pfizer failed to adequately research their medication or provide adequate warnings to users and the medical community about the potential side effects which could increase the risk of suicide or unusual behavior changes. Following hundreds of reported problems, information was added to the warning label about the psychiatric side effects and users are now provided with a medication guide outlining the risks that could be associated with the use of Chantix.

CHANTIX SIDE EFFECTS: Lawsuits are being evaluated by Chantix lawyers throughout the country on behalf of users who have suffered severe physical injury or death as a result of:

• Suicide
• Attempted Suicide
• Sudden Aggressive Behavior

Review a Potential Case with Chantix Lawers

Submit information regarding a potential Chantix lawsuit to have your case reviewed and evaluated by an attorney. If it appears that you, a friend or family member may be entitled to compensation as a result of Chantix side effects, you may be contacted by a lawyer.

Tags: Chantix, Pfizer

There Are 108 Comments So Far • (Add Your Comments)

1. Pingback by Government Officials Take Action on Chantix Use by Pilots, Truckers and Bus Drivers — AboutLawsuits.com on 28 May 2008:

   [...] a report released last week by a non-profit group, federal regulators have indicated that Chantix should not be used by pilots, air traffic controllers or operators of commercial motor vehicles like [...]

2. Pingback by Acomplia, Weight-Loss Drug, Linked to Deaths and Suicide in UK — AboutLawsuits.com on 4 June 2008:

   [...] given FDA approval could carry an increased risk of suicide, including certain antidepressants and Chantix, a drug designed to help people quit [...]

3. Pingback by Chantix Litigation Begins to Heat Up as Lawsuits are Filed — AboutLawsuits.com on 16 July 2008:

   [...] least two lawsuits have recently been filed in federal court by users of the anti-smoking drug Chantix who suffered psychological side effects. The medication has been linked to an increased risk of [...]

4. Pingback by Chantix Warnings Cause Sharp Drop in Sales : AboutLawsuits.com on 28 July 2008:

   [...] PagesChantix Litigation Heats Up as Lawsuits are Filed Chantix LawsuitsAcomplia, Weight-Loss Drug, Linked to Deaths and SuicideGovernment Officials Take Action on Chantix [...]

5. Pingback by Chantix Lawsuits Filed in New York State Court : AboutLawsuits.com on 6 August 2008:

   [...] PagesChantix Warnings Cause Sharp Drop in Sales Chantix Litigation Heats Up as Lawsuits are Filed Chantix LawsuitsAcomplia, Weight-Loss Drug, Linked to Deaths and SuicideGovernment Officials Take Action on Chantix [...]

6. Comment by Michael on 5 September 2008:

   This is common issues of detoxification. Depression, suicide and mood swings; are all common indicators. As a past chantix user, it was difficult and there was a lot of confusion in my head. I do not blame the pharmaceuticals, but i was addicted, and substance withdrawal is a terrible experience.

7. Pingback by TV Ads for Smoking Drug Chantix Resume Despite Suicide Side Effects : AboutLawsuits.com on 15 September 2008:

   [...] pulling all advertisements for Chantix earlier this year amid concerns about increased suicide risks, Pfizer has re-launched a national TV [...]

8. Comment by Kimberly on 8 October 2008:

   I am a 39 year old woman that was put in the hospital. I have a diagnose of Multiple Sclerosis. The doctor wanted me to to quit smoking so he put me on this Chantix. I was on Chantix for over 2 weeks and my whole side of my right head and face went completely numb. I went back to my doctor and he took me off of this, however, i had to go to a nureology appointment and had to be put back on steroids because it pushed me into an excerbation. I did research on this drug and one of the sideeffects was it could cause people to have Multiple Sclerosis. I am sooo mad.

9. Pingback by Chantix Accidents and Black Outs May Lead to New FDA Warning : AboutLawsuits.com on 24 October 2008:

   [...] other drug largely responsible for the sharp increase was Pfizer’s anti-smoking drug Chantix, which has been associated with a variety of potential side effects, including an increased risk of [...]

10. Pingback by Chantix Suicides Reported with European Version of Drug : AboutLawsuits.com on 11 November 2008:

    [...] their own life or suffered severe physical injuries as a result of a suicide attempt are filing Chantix lawsuits against Pfizer for failing to previously warn about the risk associated with the [...]

11. Comment by Kelly on 20 November 2008:

    I used Chantix for 3 months, had a few wild dreams, quit smoking and it’s been 6 months. Glad my end result was positive.

12. Comment by andrew on 25 December 2008:

    Please share this information on this page.

    I chewed tobacco for a number of years and I told my DR I wanted to quit. He rx’d me Chantix and within one week I was unsucessful at trying to hang myself in the garage. I was depressed and was in a frantic state of mind. I stopped Chantix and recovered in a couple of days drinking alot of water and cranberry juice. I have never had suicidal thoughts before. If there is a class action, count me me.

13. Pingback by Chantix Suicide Side Effects Lead to Stronger Warnings for Canadian Version of Drug : AboutLawsuits.com on 7 January 2009:

    [...] suicide side effects associated with Champix, the Canadian version of the stop-smoking drug Chantix. The drug regulatory agency indicates that they are in the process of further strengthening the [...]

14. Comment by Carly on 7 January 2009:

    I have always been careful of prescription drugs, usually opting to manage without antibiotics, pain medication, etc., whan at all possible.

    I discussed Chantix with my physician and decided to try it. I took it for 45 days (approx.April-July 2007). I did not smoke, dealt with the minor nausea and bit of gassiness that was a mentioned side-affect. What took me 3-4 weeks to notice was the growing sense of irritability and depressed feelings. Worst of all was a complete loss of my sense of smell and taste. I would constantly be in tears from frustration and anger. My sense of taste and smell has always been an accute asset for me. I also began hearing a loud ringing in my ears that sounded like a high-pitched hum. I stopped the Chantix on the 45th day and told my doctor. I threw out the rest of the prescription. I had 90 days worth.

    After 3 months I regained enough of my sense of taste and smell to allow me to eat meals with some normalcy. I had fluctuated between eating until I felt full, which was not satisfying, to just not wanting to eat at all. The ringing in my ears has only become worse. The mixture of depression,irritability and lethargy cost me the best job I’ve ever had. I’m simply no longer the same person. I have always been a strong and upbeat person.

    I warned friends about taking Chantix. Until now, I was unaware that there were others who were even more strongly and adversely affected than I. It helps to know that what I was going through wasn’t a delusion. It has been difficult enough as it was. Losing your will and motivation to be functional is pretty debilitating.

    This drug needs to be taken off the market. Rather than attempts to price smokers out of the habit or brow-beating them into extinction, why not let the tobacco companies fund cessation programs that have proven effectiveness without the risk.

    The FDA needs to think more of the patient and less for the pill-pushing drug lords. I cringe when I see the thousands of televised drug ads. It seems they have far more contraindications than benefits. We need pharmaceuticals that do more good than harm, otherwise, the only benefit goes to the seller.

15. Comment by Melody on 27 January 2009:

    I have been on Chantix for 2 months I have a constant ringing in my ears like a high pitch dog whistle. It wont go away. I also have high blood pressure now.

16. Comment by William on 20 February 2009:

    I have taken chantix twice in the last 6 months, the first time I took it for about a month, I had dizzy spells, I ask my doctor about it and he said the dizzy spills were due to nicotine withdrawl, I started smoking again and quit chantix. The second time I started taking chantix, I was on it for about two weeks, I had a seizure while driving my vehicle and did some real damage to my truck, I was in the hospital for two and half days, while in the hospital I was tested for stroke (MRI) and for any other brain damage, (EEG), and heart problems (EKG), all tests were negitve, there were no problems found, the neurologist said that it was quite possible that chantix was the problem, right now I’m not driving for a month to make sure that I don’t have another seizure, I have thrown the rest of the chantix away, and have had no other dizzy spells, just a lot of pain from being in the wreck.

17. Comment by John on 26 February 2009:

    I am looking for Chantix users that have been affected with Malignant Hypertension as I believe I have been. I used Chantix for only 2 weeks and weaned off. I quit smoking for a year but started smoking again. Bad move I know. I was on minimal blood pressure meds prior to taking Chantix. For eleven smoke free months I developed Malignant hypertension and require 12 pills a day spread over 8 hours of four different types. Prior to that I was on a single pill each day. I feel lucky to not have had mental problems. Having weird dreams scared me to start weaning off. I had heard in a blog this was the only thing that helped in some cases.
    In all fairness, I did gain some 20 lbs over a years time but am now back to a normal weight and smoking again. I don’t think I will ever get my blood pressure controlled again. Best luck to you,
    John

18. Comment by Judy G on 14 March 2009:

    Started Chantix in July 2008 after a few weeks I started to become short of breath did not have enough air to finish what I was saying. Ended up in the ER MRI of the chest were clear, given in halers and breathing treatments but nothing helped. Sent for MRI of my brain 2 x MRI of my spine, thyroid biopsy, ultra sounds of my neck, swallowing and voice tests.. Sent to a pulmonologist who sent me to a endocrinologist who sent me to an ENT x 4 different doctors who sent me to a neurologist who thought I had MS so he sent me to a MS specialist who does not think it is MS but maybe myasthenia gravis, bulbar palsey, brisk jaw jerk. I currently am still short of breath, experience nasal escape, slurring when I speak, my voice is raspy, can not yell, blow out a candle, have dificulty swallowing, choke often. If I get emotional laughing, crying or angry I have neck pain. My throat will constrict and I can not speak until I relax. I had none of these issues prior to using Chantix and was in good health. There is still no diagnosis for my problem still seeing many doctors. All the above mentioned problems are the negative side effects of Chantix that are rare. Almost 8 months later and more money than you can imagine for the cost of my appointments, treatments, tests, and medications that do not work.

19. Comment by Regina G on 6 April 2009:

    I was on Chantix for a little less than one month. I had gas, nausea, slight depression, was tired all of the time and irritable.
    Then I was arresteed for trespassing. I was completely aggitated and argueing with a police officer.
    I am 44 years old, never been in trouble and certainly have always respected law enforcement.
    I was out of my mind. It was humiliating and the most awful experience of my life.
    I would never recommend this drug. I know many that have used it successfully, but my experience has scared me from ever taking any medication that is not needed to save my life.
    If I am lucky, this arrest will not ruin my career.

20. Comment by Linda C on 22 April 2009:

    I took Chantix about 18 months ago, I was only able to take it for 30 days I had become very nauseated, vomited weak and dizzy. I had called my health care provider and was instructed to give the medication some time and I would feel better. In January 09 I suffered my first Grand mal seizure. In March 09 I had my second seizure. All tests are negative (CT,EEG). I have since lost my drivers license, which is not a bad idea considering. I am a nurse without income now. Since starting Keppra I now think I have figured out my aura prior to seizures by process of elimination. Severe nausea, dizziness I often associated to Motion sickness when I was in a vehicle either as a driver or passenger. Had I known Chantix would do this I would have remained a smoker or found another way….

21. Comment by Debbie on 26 April 2009:

    I started taking Chantix in Feb. ’09. I got the gas, nausea, stomach pains and strange dreams. I completed 2 weeks and still had no desire to quit smoking and had a constant pain/ache in my left eye. I was also irritable and anxious. My doctor said it could take months to take effect and to keep on taking it. The day I tried to quit I nearly lost my mind. I have sinced stopped taking it. The patch seems a lot calmer and more effective way for me. I still sometimes get the pain behind my left eye.

22. Comment by david on 5 June 2009:

    I just quit taking Chantix last week, I had all the minor side effects that most everyione else has. No stroke or suicide attempts though. I would consider what I went through would be normal for something that makes me quit a habit I’ve been doing for 15 years. The only thing I didn’t expect was my face to break out so bad that I think I’ll have scars! My teenage years are far behind me, so this was not a normal thing for me at all. Anyone else have a facial skin reaction like such???

23. Comment by Sue on 15 June 2009:

    I have been on Chantix for 3 weeks. I have some nausea and some vivid dreams. In the beginning I was tired and a little anxious. On day 3 of taking Chantix I started having ringing in my ears. Will this stop? I hope so. I can tolerate it if it helps me stop smoking.

24. Comment by Sue on 15 June 2009:

    I have been on Chantix for 2 1/2 weeks. I have ringing in my ears that started on day 3. Will it go away once I stop taking Chantix? I hope so. It’s annoying. Otherwise Chantix is working .

25. Comment by Lisa on 27 June 2009:

    I started taking Chantix in Feb. and stopped taking it in April. It worked great. I noticed some irritability but attributed that to withdrawals. But now, I feel more depressed even though I stopped taking it 2 months ago. I feel so glum I might consider seeing my dr for a anti-depressive! I’ve never felt this way before. Also, I haven’t seen anyone else bring up this issue but I’ve been having problems going to the bathroom. This began 4 weeks after I started Chantix. I’m not in pain or constipated; but I just dont go. I have to remember to take a laxative every 4-5 days. I thought it would stop over time but this is crazy. If anyone else has these issues, please post. I really wanted to quit, but this makes me wish I never had!

26. Comment by Barbara on 2 July 2009:

    I took Chantix from Dec. 2006 until April of 2007. I had no side affects during that time except trouble sleeping and strange dreams. It has been in the last two years that I have experienced mood swings, fatigue, depression, unprovoked fits of rage and sleeplessness. I have days I can hardly function. I did quit smoking for a period of approximately 6 months but then the desire returned as strong as before. What I go through now on a daily basis was not worth that 6 months of not smoking. I would give a lot to have never tried Chantix and feel like I have this last two year.

27. Comment by Karin on 3 July 2009:

    I took Chantix for 8 month before I was able to stop smoking for good. It was the best thing I have ever done in my life. NO side effects except vivid dreams. I am so happy I have that monkey of my back that I can not even imagine to ever want to smoke another cigarette. I was a heavy, 2 packs a day, smoker for 50 years.

    Barbara’s complains. I don’t know… But
    I believe a lot of people like to complain and make other people , things or circumstances responsible for their own misery. Just a victim. No need that way to take responsibility for their behavior.

    You see , I had carrots to eat the week before my last head cold. Can’t prove there is a connection but can’t dispute that I got my head cold AFTER eating those carrots. Besides, if there is a law suit…. I’m in.

28. Comment by mildred on 5 July 2009:

    I was taking this medicine for about 2months and i developed a nasty rash or some kind of skin thing and i stopped taking the chantrix., doctor said they didn’t know what it was and it has not gone away not even a little. I also have some other issues with moodiness and sleeplessness. I also have irritability and concentration issues now.

29. Comment by Bonnie on 8 July 2009:

    Itook chantix on 2 differrernt occasions,had terrible dreams,gained weight,neausia,had thoughts of sucide,yes I would be in lawe suit

30. Comment by Bonnie on 8 July 2009:

    I feel this medication isnot good for anyone

31. Comment by Carolyn on 11 July 2009:

    My 42 year old son took Chantix in the spring of 2008. Had all the symptoms listed above and then some. Was hospitalized in August of 2008, terrible choking spells, bad speech – had stomack feeding tube
    inserted for 5 months; diagnosed with myathemia gravis. He is
    presently being treated at Massachusetts General Hospital for the
    mathemia gravis and other related causes.

32. Comment by Tanya on 15 July 2009:

    I started Chantix in January of this year. I am a 33 year old mother of 2 girls. Since starting the chantix I noticed a mojor increase in anxiety, I was always depressed, tired feeling sick. As a result of this I have split with my husband of 13 years who I began treating horrible, I treated alot of people horrible, and this is not a usual behavior from me as I was always a kind and big hearted person. My Doctor met me for the first time and highly recommended it to me without even giving me the chance to say no, not knowing any of my medical history or results of any of my blood work. I know that the cause of all of these actions are from this chantix, because I have never suffered any of these symptoms prior to this and have not stared any new medications except for the chantix.

33. Comment by diane on 26 July 2009:

    Waited 23 years to have my first baby and when she was 3 days old I started on Chantix. I was depressed, hateful and thoughts of suicide were in my mind constantly. I could not sleep, had no appetite and did not care about my appearance or my home. My husband aslo began taking it. He had strange, vivd dreams that meant he got not sleep and felt as if he were having a heart attack. We were both lifeless. At one point he said we were being mean and hateful after we started on this drug to try to improve our health. Without the help of a friend to talk to, I believe I would have ended up dead on this pill. I felt crazy and completely hopeless and worthless the entire time. I still have bouts of depression and feel I will never recover from this nightmare called chantix.

34. Comment by Jodi on 27 July 2009:

    It is essential that if you are ALREADY on anti-depressive drugs you DO not take Chantix. I did when there was no information out (NEW lable just came out 7/9) on the side affects of this drug. I not only got suidical, severe depression, loss of vision, menopause yet these symptoms lasted for almost ONE YEAR. I lost 8 lbs in one month. My doctor did NOT have access to information regarding the side affects to the drug until the second visit I had with him, thus, I had to suffer even longer. It took a long time for my doctor to find a right combination of medication as I believe Chantix changed my neuropathways (almost a year). I PRAY/HOPE/ASK that attorneys consider widening their citeria for a class action law suit (right now it is just for the family of those who killed themselves or if you actively attempted suicide) I was going to check into a hospital, looking back, I would have to be a part of this suit as my life was drastically altered for one year. This is PAIN AND SUFFERING.
    Be careful and read the LABLE carefully. ALL SIDE AFFECTS even those that are rare!

35. Comment by Jodi on 27 July 2009:

    Lisa, please be careful with your words. Check out THE FDA, the labeling process, how Chantix is not being dispensed that much anymore, how people REALLY DID KILL THEMSELVES from this drug – it has been proven.

    I am not law suit happy. I just had surgery. I have pain/suffering etc yet I am not wanting to sue my doc.

    Please be careful with your words. I say this in a respectful way. I am glad you did not have any bad side affects, please do not put those down that did. Do you want the documentation from the eye doc that I COULD NOT SEE? and he put it down to Chantix?

    So, please I ask you to be sensitive to those who might have had a problem with this drug. Again, congrats on being smoke free.

36. Comment by yvette on 30 July 2009:

    My husband took the chantix for 4 1/2 months, and i was fearing for my life at this point. I called the doctor and told him that he needed to be taken off of this medican as he was very aggressive, depression , angrey all the time. I read the small print on the paper and it stated that if you have had depression in the past, you should not take this medican. 5 years ago my husband had a #10 on the scale of 1-10, depression , Why did his doctor give it to him? My daughter and i suffered greatly. Now that he is off the medication he is getting back to normal. Call me if you need my statement in your lawsuit.

37. Comment by lyn on 30 July 2009:

    had 2 seizures taking this drug ruined my life lost driving licence for 12 months and just got my second ban for further 12 months take my advice dont take this drug

38. Comment by Marianne on 10 August 2009:

    Dear Lyn, William, and John,
    I have had a similar experience as you all when I took chantix. I started taking Chantix in January and initially found it helpful; however, I had a seizure while driving my car and I was severely injured and in the hospital for quite a while. Thankfully no one else was hurt. I am discussing my case with an attorney and whether Chantix caused my seizure.
    I would like to learn more from other people about their experience with Chantix. I’d appreciate any other comments you may have and if you have any questions or if I can be of any help, please let me know!

39. Comment by Sherry on 15 August 2009:

    Day4…….All is well…….Reduction in smoking……..positve!!! side effects none so far.

40. Comment by Mary on 17 August 2009:

    I started taking Chantix March 11th ’09 and successfully quit smoking. On May 25th, I had what I can only call a psychotic break – my thougts were paranoid and illogical. My husband researched the side effects of Chantix and suggested I stop taking the medication.

    I stopped taking the medication on May 26th and have been depressed ever since. I’ve been taking an anti-depressant for about a month and a half and this will hopefully get me over this ‘hump’. I hope these feelings are temporary and I’ll be feeling my normal, happy self soon.

    I haven’t seen any information on the duration of the psychological effects after stopping the drug.

    I am happy to still be smoke free, and staying vigilant so I stay that way. However, I would NOT have taken this drug had I known what toll it would take on my feelings of well being. To think it was elective ….

41. Comment by Joe on 29 August 2009:

    I started taking Chantrix in December 2008 I remained on the drug for the perscribed 3 months. I did stop smoking but I have developed anxiety, I can only sleep 3 or 4 hours and wake up with a major sense of dred and fear for no reason… I know that the cause of the anxiety is from Chantix, because I have never suffered from anxiety prior to this and have not stared any new medications except for the Chantix.

42. Comment by Sandra on 31 August 2009:

    My husband started taking Chantix at the end of February. By the middle of March he was mean and nasty. By April his behavior became bizarre – almost childlike, then he went into what I call the “twilight zone”. I looked at him several times and wondered if anything was left upstairs. This summer he has spent $10,000 of retirement money on vacations for him. He was on it for a total of 5 1/2 months to my knowledge. I have no idea since he lies (never was a liar before chantix) and sneaks around. If I can believe him he has been off of it for 6 weeks and still displays odd behavior. I have no choice now but to file for divorce after 20 years. I cannot live with the insanity this drug has caused. I wrote the FDA in July and told them to get this drug off the market. Terrible, terrible drug!

43. Comment by Kim on 2 September 2009:

    I’ve been on this terrible drug for 3 months. I’ve always been a cheerful, chipper person…not anymore. I lost my boyfriend of 8 years becasue of the way that I have been. I have never been one to even concider suicide, but I had it all planned out. I was giving away everything I owned, even signed the title of my car over to my son. My friends finally had an “intervention” with me to try to make me see what I was doing, because I didn’t even realize it. Not to mention that I was becoming very violent…I have never been one to want to hurt anyone. I am slowly getting myself off this awful drug. It should not be on the market. Yeah, the drug does work, you stop smoking, only because your DEAD from taking your own life. I definately want to be in the lawsuit!

44. Comment by jessica on 6 September 2009:

    The FDA needs to research these drugs more thoroughlly, as well as doctors taking the side effcts seriously. I have siezures, and at the time I was given chantrix 2 yrs ago was on two anti-convulsants, I was having trouble finding the ‘right’ one, but knowing my history told me the chantix was completly safe? I stopped taking it after the first month, I knew something was wrongw/ it. Highly dangerous for those prone to seizures, this info was not out in jan’07- I researched chantrix just after I satarted to take it- hmm. Who do you blame? I felt that it wasn’t reacting well w/ me or my other meds- or something, thnk GOD I took myself off- always do your own research, and trust youur gut. Big comps want their money.

45. Comment by Jim on 7 September 2009:

    I took Chantix for 6 weeks and it seem to work well. I noticed that it made cigarettes taste bad. That helped. I quit taking the perscription and developed flu like symtoms and had a complete loss of smell. My Ear nose an throat doctor examined me and did all the tests. He said there was nothing that could be done and just to hope your sense of smell returns. Its now be a year and I have not been able to taste anything. Ive heard that others have experienced this same effect after taking Chantix. My life has been miserable and the joy of dinner out and eating has gone. Im so distressed that I would join anyone in a class lawsuit against Pfizer for not warning smokers that this effect could happen to them.

46. Comment by Ross on 10 September 2009:

    Has anyone else experienced a drop in blood pressure after taking Chantix? I am on Chantix and it is working great except one thing, roughly 15 -20 minutes after taking a dosage my blood pressure drops to the point of me almost passing out. After about another 15 minutes my blood pressure stabalizes and I go on about my day, until the night dosage, then same thing happens. Now I have low blood pressure anyways, normally 102/60. Does this happen to anyone else? The slight depression,wacked out dreams and nasea I can deal with but not the blood pressure thing anymore.

47. Comment by Lisa on 16 September 2009:

    I began taking Chantix before any side effects were mentioned, except nausea, which I did experience. I took Chantix from August 2007 through November 2007. I fought, and continue to fight, a constant battle to not smoke. It has been three years and those have been three very agonizing years. It began with depression, which I didn’t believe was a real medical problem, until then. Since then I have been through several different anit-depressants and sleeping medications. I have become a different person than I used to be. I was always happy, strong and took care of my own problems. I used to think that people that thought of suicide were just weak, but I have come to realize that those thoughts are something you have no control over. I have not committed suicide or tried to, but my whole life has changed since taking Chantix and it has all been documented with my doctor. Just because I am not dead or in a long care facility because of trying to commit suicide, does not mean than my life is not totally different. I want things to go back like they used to be, but I am coming to the conclusion that will never happen. I have also lost one good job and about to lose another if things don’t turn around quickly. If Chantix worked for you, I am truly glad for you, but as for me, my mental state is still in shambles after three years.

48. Comment by Eileen on 18 September 2009:

    i took chantix in 2008 my doctor precribed it for me because i had been a smoker for over 30 yesrs and really wanted to quit .. upon a couple days of taking this pill i began to,have very vivid and horrible dreams . dreams wich included harming people i loved and harming myself !! i had never ever had such dreams in the past !! then i started to notice a change in my behaviour i became impatient and nasty and lost my temper easily and blew up at my husband and son all the time .. my son and i went down to the shore for the weekend and spent the weekend in my fathers condo wich is on the 16th floor i found myself wanting to jump out the window for no reason what so ever i was not depressed or suicidal ever before in my life .. i have had a very eventful life and had many unpleasant things happen to me that i would honestly say would maker a person without a strong mind want to end it all !! i always had the desire to keep going and over come any and all things in my life while taking this drug i had no control over the way i thought and felt it was horrible !!!! and the worst part of it all was i did not quit smoking !! i recently have as of 3 months ago but in had to pay a hpnotist 250.000 to make me stop !! the precription for the chantix cost alot of money and i have no heatlth insurance this should be taken off the market !! yet i see they are still asvertising it on tv !! what a crime !!

49. Comment by Karen on 21 September 2009:

    Hi my name is karen i do not recomend anyone takin this drug it makes you CRAZY . I had the perfect realationship and why i was takin chatix one day i went off for know reason and messed up alot of his things and dont remember doing it now im in the courts and i never been in trouble before in my life i am 37.

50. Comment by Jeremy on 30 September 2009:

    I started taking Chantix in April of 2008. I quit smoking on May 11, 2008. While taking Chantix I did have the vivid dreams and lack of sleep, but no major side effects. I was smoke free for 1 year and 3 months. During this period, honestly, i have never felt better. I continued to work out at the gym and I felt great. My relationships with friends and family stayed strong, if not stronger. I slipped up in August of 2009, and as of September I started smoking again. I am ready to quit again and considering taking Chantix for the second time. Not sure if the side effects will differ the second go round. I see alot of negative comments about this drug, but it did work for me and i was a successful non-smoker for over a year and I couldn’t have felt better during that period.

51. Comment by krisi on 6 October 2009:

    severe mood swings,
    addiction and with drawl symptoms to and from chantix, aggressive behavior, physical aggression to other people, severe depression, many terrible physical side affects, anger, aggressive thoughts, suicidal thoughts, terrible exhaustion, nervousness, panic attacks. anxiety attacks. this all started in the second week of taking chantix and not all at once did these symtoms happen. everyone is different and reacts different, apparently i am very sensitive to chantix. i still feel awful after a week off of chantix, I
    =my ear still rings.

52. Comment by Fran on 20 October 2009:

    I took Chantix in Dec.07, for a couple of weeks. I was visiting my daughter and her family, three Grand Children. I began to behave like a crazy person, had horrible nightmares, depressed, in a rage, scared my poor Grand Kids to death, as well as my poor daughter. Of course no one knew why Grand Mother suddenly lost it and seemed like a demon. It was the most embarassing and crazy thing I have ever experienced. They will never forget it and my daughter is still angry with me, not knowing why I acted so crazy. I am so mad. This is a very destructive drug, in my opinion. I was so depressed and felt so helpless, constanly thought of ways to end my existance. Without my kids, and in this way to end my relationship with them, it is too much for one single Grandma to handle. This is a crime. Be careful with what you put in your body. No one really cares about your well being. It’s all about money. This was very expensive. I wanted to quit smoking, having a strong desire to be around when my Grandkids were much much older, and watch them grow into wonderful adults. I’m just heart sick.

53. Comment by cathy on 20 October 2009:

    I stated having spell of flashes in my eyes at times I almost lost vision in both eyes it would last around 5 minute at first I did not connect this with the Chantix. Then it stated occuring more often I stopped taking the Chantix. It statred gettings less frequent, I have been off Chantix for 8 months now and still having bouts of semi blindness with strob light effect in my right eye needless to say I have made an appointment with an eye Dr. Please anyone taking this medication watch for these side effects. I have always had 20 / 20 vision and this scares me to death!

54. Comment by Jan on 23 October 2009:

    Thankfully it doesn’t appear that the side effects have hit me as severely as others, but my decision to stay away from this drug will remain firm..

    I began Chantix a few weeks ago. It has helped to stop the nicotine fits that come along with over 30 years of puffing. However, my problem is the SEVERE nausea that I get when I take it, especially in the morning. I also have been extremely irritable and anxious. My poor 10 year old thinks I am psycho! I have noticed that I have been forgetting things often since starting this prescription. These are not normal traits for me. Some comments I have read say that certain people can’t sleep, I am the exact opposite. Wake up in the morning not even remembering how I got to bed the night before. I am not a drug addict OR alcoholic. I find this and all these comments very unsettling. Unfortunately, as many are, I am wiithout health insurance now and unable to discuss this with my doctor. Hopefully I will get back to normal soon, and remain a non-smoker. Be nice to get some of my money back since this prescription is VERY expensive.

55. Comment by keith on 8 November 2009:

    i took chantix for about 6 months. I have had depression and mood swings in the past was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about 10 years ago mainly depression though but never have i felt or acted the way i do since taking this drug. my dr gave me chantix to stop smoking i did aftr 2 weeks of bein on it but that came with a price. i became severely nauseated immediately when i started takn it. I had no taste in my mouth, was having very vivid nightmares. after about a month on the drug i became a different person aggitation for no reason, irritability towards anyone and everyone, severe mood swings, weight gain, i had and still have suicidal thoughts, paranoia of which led to an attempted suicide, dont want to be around anyone severely depressed most of the time. i have tried every antidepressant every antipsychotic any drug that the dr says to try and it never works i dont want to be this way anymore i am a threat to myself and others right now goin to see my dr on monday what the drug chantix can do to a normal brain making u commit suicide and all imagine what it does to an unstable mind, i already had the bipolar then when i tried to get healthy and stop smoking all was well hadnt had any symptoms for 7 yrs before i took this medicine then the worst was brought out in me. Me my wife and kids have suffered deeply it has made our lives very hard difficult and painful. this drug will make u a monster and needs to be taken off the market

56. Comment by terri on 9 November 2009:

    Two hospital stays in 2008.

    Jan. ’08 – - taken by ambulance in middle of nite w/heart attack symptoms, fever, and severe low stomach pain and throbbing headache. Stayed one week. Was put on morphine and oxygen while undergoing every test possible from head to toe. Written off as possible “virus.”

    May ’08 – - took drive to Walgreen’s. Purchased 3 bottles of sleeping pills and mini-diabetic razors, drove to rural area, parked on a used car parking lot, wrote short note to loved ones, downed over 240 pills, woke up six days later in ICU surrounded by family, as I was being taken off the vent/respirator. Last rites had been given.

    Spent time in psyche unit. Ostracized by all who thought they knew and loved me, babysitting rights for my six grandchildren, were taken away and the mental pain/anguish was so profound, I’d wished I had succeeded.

    That was 18 months ago and I am still healing. Thank God my rights have been returned with regard to my grandchildren, I’m back at my job which I’ve loved for the past 22 years, and I know, as I look back, I was NOT myself for several months. I had filled back/back two complete scripts, and was also on Zoloft for 10 years prior.

    I was a closet smoker, smoking 4 to 6 cigs per day and my mom was the only one who knew I was on Chantix. I PRAY for Pfizer to be found guilty of literally messing w/people’s minds…when all they really wanted to do was quit smoking!! I pray for my day of vindication. DON’T TAKE THIS DRUG. I WAS IN ANOTHER WORLD FOR A LONG, LONG TIME AND IT WAS NOT A GOOD PLACE TO BE.

57. Comment by Jennifer on 3 December 2009:

    Wow..I looked this up to see if ringing in the ears was a side effect and found that many other people have had this from chantix too. I have been takin it for 37 days now and i did quit smokin. I have been breakin out in hives everyday for about 3 weeks now. I thought i was doin good on chantix until i read all of these comments. Now i dont think i will take it anymore. I thought my hives were not caused by this drug because they didnt start until after i had been takin it for 2 weeks. But i am convinced now that the ringin in my ear and the hives are caused by the chantix. Im really glad it helped me quit smokin, but these side effects i can do without. I am seeing my dr. today to see if he believes the same. However i do think i am done with the chantix, I just hope my ear gets back to normal quick and that these hives go away. Ugh. This is scary. Im glad i didnt have all these crazy side effects that others have had. Im crazy enough with out chantix makin me crazy. lol. Good luck to all of you who are goin though a rough time from chantix.

58. Comment by Michael on 14 December 2009:

    Cases in vermont chantix med.

59. Comment by Dianne on 15 December 2009:

    You know, I’ve read these posts and can put alot of these complaints to anything from post partum depression to nicotine withdrawal. If you read the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal you’ll probably be surprised to know that they are the same as the “warning” of Chantix. This drug has helped so many people that will not get on these websites. You tend to hear from the ones who like to complain and not the ones who have had great success with it, although there are a few on this board. Be informed about chantix, talk to your doctor about the meds you take and whether or not it will interact and go into it with a positive attitude. I am already and have been on antidepressants for many, many years and Chantix is not making me suicidal, mean or anything else. I am also extremely sensitive to meds so I take half the recommended dose. Know youreself and know the affects of nicotine withdrawal before you start thinking that it is the drug. Nicotine will not clear out of your system without side effects. Why would you think it would?

60. Comment by Susan on 4 January 2010:

    I took a full round of Chantix from July to October, 2009. I experienced some of the minor side effects that most everyione else has, however no stroke or suicide attempts. I would consider what I went through to be perfectly normal for something that makes me quit a pack-a-day habit I’ve been doing for 30 years. I’ve quite smoking so many times that quitting makes me depressed!!!! I work in the pharmaceutical industry and did not take the “warnings” on the Chantix label lightly. I told my family and friends (and anyone that would listen) that I was starting the drug and that they needed to tell me if I appeared to have a personality change (afterall.. how would I know)? I made a specific point NOT to watch anything scary or crime related on television before bedtime – I did everything to take the warnings on the box literally. The nausia was tough, but I soon realised that taking it with a cup of coffee was a stupid thing to do. I only took the drug directly after a FULL meal. Took care of that problem! It’s important to note that my doctor allowed me to try Chantix because it is an depressant. I can not take Anti depressants as THEY make me anxious and extremely hostle! There was a drug on the market a few years ago (an antidepressnt) that was being marketed as a stop smoking drug. I experienced all the symptoms most of you wrote about taking THAT pill. Keep in mind that just because the FDA approves a drug does NOT always make it “safe” – remember Phen Phen? The weight loss drug? It was pulled from the market 20 years AFTER being released by the FDA). I think before taking any drug it’s important to evaluate yourself, know your own past history and be honest with it, weather it’s depression or anger, and heed the warnings on all labels! I’m truly sorry for everyone who wrote on this site that Chantix did not work for you, but keep trying to quit – afterall, Ciggaretts will be ultimately what kills us in the short run and THAT won’t be pretty either!

61. Comment by Nancy on 5 January 2010:

    STOP TAKING THIS DRUG if you are on it, and tell your friends and family to stop it, too. I am a therapist dealing with a family who lost their patriarch, a wonderful, cheerful man, to suicide after 28 days on this horrible drug. He was not depressed, no history or any indication of any psychiatric symptoms. DO NOT TAKE CHANTIX!!! Taper off your smoking, try hynosis or Zyban, chew gum, but do not take this drug! Your life is worth it! I would rather see people smoking than DEAD!!!

62. Comment by KS on 9 January 2010:

    To those that posted here that are paid by the drug companies to uphold their image, grow a conscience.

    This is a drug that need to be taken off the market and quite frankly I feel that it has been nothing more than a mind control experiment on the masses, grossing millions of dollars for the drug companies.

    I took Chantix for two and a half weeks in October 2009. I experienced typical withdrawal symptoms which were expected, yet I went into a severe depression, insomnia, stomach aches and nausea, had vivid hallucinations (ie. clowns with sharp teeth next to me in the room), very vivid dreams, pain in my left eye (so bad I could not read for my classes), strobe light vision in my right eye (to the point I thought I may go into a seizure), skin rashes and itching, and went into a rage on Halloween. I lost my relationship due to the rage, could not focus enough on my classes and failed the semester and lost my financial aid, could not focus on my volunteer work nor had any will or confidence to get gainful employment and had to move home with my mother – yikes. A past trauma also resurfaced with a vengeance.

    Now, two and a half months later I am feeling “normal” again. I have stayed away from prescription drugs all my life due to the warnings of side effects, yet, I felt that I needed help. It was not worth it in my case. I wish i would have done research on the effects.

    Best or recovery for everyone and advocate the recall or this drug and that no one takes it. It is too risky.

63. Comment by Tarah on 25 January 2010:

    PLEASE do NOT take this medication! While attempting to quit smoking, Chantix was prescribed to me on a few different occasions by 2-3 different doctors. I tried to take the medication on several occasions in an attempt to quit smoking (and thinking it was just bad timing at that particular point in my life). On every occasion, after about 2 weeks on the drug, I became a different person; very agitated for no reason, irritability towards anyone and everyone, intense mood swings, weight loss, shakiness, I had suicidal thoughts, I didn’t want to be around anyone…. not family, friends, no one… I did not leave my apt for a long time. My best friend had a baby during one stint on the medication and I couldn’t bring myself to even leave my apt to visit her. I had horrible dreams on this medication and extreme nausea. I was severely depressed and although I have quit taking Chantix, I still do not feel like my old self. The events that took place in my life while taking Chantix are extremely disturbing but I don’t feel I would have ‘given up’ so easily if I was in my normal/unaltered state of mind. I have been on a mild anti-depressant for many years and NEVER abused any of my medications; however, while taking Chantix, I repeatedly had suicidal thoughts and in July 09, I ended up overdosing on my normal medications. By the time I arrived at the hospital, my BAC was .555. Please keep in mind I only weigh about 115lbs. Anything over .35 is considered lethal. As a result, I was hospitalized for 3 days. My job was in jeopardy, my family and friends left stunned, and I could not believe my own actions. I do not remember the 2-3 days leading up to the overdose, nor do I have a memory of being rushed to the ER. I only know that I did not get out of bed bc my neighbor had a key and came to check on me. “Severe depression” really doesn’t do justice to what I experienced while taking Chantix. I have warned numerous friends and family not to take it. This drug should be taken off the market and especially not promoted on TV!! I wish I would have known how much this drug interferes with your normal brain function. I would have NEVER taken it!! My life has truly been negatively affected and I still feel ‘broken’… I’m still trying to get back to myself.

64. Comment by Kelly on 4 February 2010:

    I started taking Chantix shortly after it came out in Dec. of 06. Soon after I started taking it I had headaches so bad I thought my head would explode. It felt like there was a vice on my head. In jan. 07 I started throwing up,had a very bad pain in my chest,then I felt like I was having a heart attack. The whole left side of my face was numb along with numbness down my left arm. I had a very high-pitched ringing in my head. After getting ti the emergency room the doctors told me I had very high blood pressure(which was always low).I was put on blood pressure meds,Imder,plavix and given a script for nitro. Several months later I had an MRI for the ringing in my head. The MRI showed that I now have aschemic vessels in my brain which I believe is what is causing the ringing in my head and the high blood pressure. Another side effect was shooting pains in my eyes. After several months I had to get glasses because I could no longer see to drive. It is now Jan 2010 and I am still suffering from these problems. The ringing in my head has never gone away. That sound is in my head every second of my life. I have had to get stronger blood pressure meds. I cant even guess how much money I have spent on docter copays,med copays. The worst thing is that the doctors won’t even agknowledge that the chantix could be the problem. Chantix was supposed to attack the nicotine receptors in the brain, my question is: what other receptors did it attack?

65. Comment by Ben on 5 February 2010:

    i took chantex for the first time in december 2009 thought i had a sinus infection headaches lasted for days so. i decided to stop taking it after only 5 days .. headaches persisted for weeks .. then i started taking them again on jan 27 2010 on feb 3rd I had a stroke. I am only 36 never had medical issues before had every test under the sun ran on me with no answer at all. If there was a law suit please count me in. im pissed VERY

66. Comment by Miles on 15 February 2010:

    This drug almost ruined everything I have going for me right now. I heard about it from commercials and I thought it was worth a try and that I probably won’t become suicidal or depressed considering I have taken antidepressants that have had similar side effects and never felt the side effects. But, Chantix absolutely will give you awful side effects. I was horribly mean the first night I took it. And it took the person I love leaving me for me to realize how mean, paranoid, and depressed I had become. Luckly I immediately got off of this drug and am working towards salvaging this relationship. I will tell anyone, do not take chantix! Its better to smoke and be happy!

67. Comment by Bec on 20 February 2010:

    Please don’t allow anyone you know (or yourself) to take this drug. My cousin died while taking it. She had some very psychotic dreams too. This is not a safe drug.

68. Comment by Jeffrey on 23 February 2010:

    Sept. ’08 began Chantix. Stated feeling “weird” after about a month so I quit the drug. I began to have numbness in my hands and face, which by the end of the year was from my knees to my chest and and also feet. I was eventually diagnosed in February ’09 with Multiple Sclerosis. Before beginning the drug, Chantix, I reviewed the drug information which contained no mentioned of MS side effects. My life is now a daily struggle…spasms, dystonia, fatigue, numbness, and cognitive deficit, and pain.

69. Comment by Debbie on 17 March 2010:

    I started taking Chantix March 1, 2010. Felt dizzy and light headed when I first started. Second week started feeling nauseous and throwing up in the evenings after second dose. Third week nausea and vomiting blood, I constantly feel nauseous and tired. Have cut down on smoking but the blood loss is getting worse. I will discontinue not worth the risk.

70. Comment by Kathy on 19 March 2010:

    My story is way to long to write on here … I took Chantix 3 years ago. My last cigarette was on April 30, 2007 at 10:40 a.m. and it has been a terrorizing, ever changing, continuiously worsening downward spiral of progressingly negative effects on my life and any one who is close to me ever since. My 20 year marriage just ended with the divorce being final January 26th. I am so far from the person I was that it takes everything I have some days to hold onto it.

    I know that Chantix has helped many people stop smoking and that is a truly wonderful thing, for my myself though, I would give almost anything to be able to go back to the day that I thought dying from smoking was the worst that I could imagine.

71. Comment by Kevin on 21 March 2010:

    I have been on Chantix a week now. I am 50 years old. Supposed to quit today. Here is the problem. I am am having homicidal and suicidal thoughts. Complete and utter mania. This is not me. I am a happy person. So do I up the dose and try to quit? I think I need to find another way to quit. This so called medicine is gonna kill me and or possibly others. The last 4 days have been a complete hell. I am so f***in mad at the FDA for letting this crap be on the market.
    WARNING WARNING!!

72. Comment by patty on 24 March 2010:

    im a 45 year old women, started taking chantix in july 2009 took it for 2 weeks then stopped. I have never had heart problems before, after stopping I was short of breath,dizzy, felt like i was going to pass out, and had very rapid heart beat of 125. this continued for a week then went to emergency room and was admitted to hospital. They were scared i was going to have a heart attack. Did all test and everything came back normal. Now almost a year later and still having rapid heart rate. been going to heart dr eversince, and still all test come back normal. So the only thing I can contribute this to is chantix.

73. Comment by Tim on 30 March 2010:

    To all those taking this medication or considering taking this medication, please avail yourself of all the information on the internet about Chantix before you take the first dose. This is a very dangerous medication even though it seems to work for some individuals. Body chemistry seems to play a part in the efectiveness of Chantix and since all of us are different we experience different reactions to certain medications. The problem with Chantix is that the side effects can be deadly to certain individuals and crippling to others. Question your physician thoroughly before he gives you your first prescription. It can save your life. And stop taking Chantix at the first indication of any negative side effect. It could save you a lifetime of misery. In some circumstances, the remedy can be worse than the illness. I think this might be one of them.

74. Comment by michael on 31 March 2010:

    chantix isnt worth taking for any reason. it clouds your mind so bad you dont care about anything, i wish i could take back everything that i did on chantix,but i cant, and i have to live with it every day, and i cant forget all the anger and the abuse and the depression that i caused my loving family, i thank god that didnt lose them, they are very special to me, and i try to make it up to them every day.i couldnt live without them.

75. Comment by Linda on 11 April 2010:

    I started Chantix on Feb 2, 2010. One week later I started having pain in my upper arms. I thought it was from crocheting, so I stopped doing my project. One month after taking Chantix I became very hostile. I wanted to hurt someone & myself. The feeling was horrible, I was telling myself to jump off my porch which was 3 stories high, but I wanted to jump off something higher so I didn’t. My doctor had me stopped taking Chantix and prescribed me Zanax. It’s been two months & my pain has not gone away. It has now traveled from my upper arms, to my neck, throat, back of my head causing headaches & now my lower arms. My primary doesn’t believe the pain was caused by Chantix. Well, I do but how do we prove it?

76. Comment by Beth on 18 April 2010:

    I started chantix on March 27, 2010. I stopped it on April 10, 2010. My medical where acid reflux, so I thought quitting cigs would help me.I started having chest pains,pressurre, palpitation,and shortness of breath. My doctor wanted me to have a stress test. This was after a week I was on it. There was abnormality. My doctor wants to to now have a invasive test a heart catherization. I didin’t have these problems before I started taking chantix. My blood pressure has been always low. I am 41 years with no other issues. Has anyone recovered from these cardiac issues if so how lon g after taking it. My other issues where depression and rashes. I have never suffered with depression. I have always been an upbeat person but that all change 3 weeks ago. I wouldn’t mind hearing from other

77. Comment by Robin on 21 April 2010:

    One of my best friends started on Chantix. She complained of headaches and then a week into it, she had a brain aneurysm, which they were able to repair. She continued to have brain spasms which resulted in them having to sedate her so much, she was put on a ventilator to breathe. The brain spasms stopped and they graduated her to a canula and feeding tube. She is currently in a rehab facility, but is still disoriented and prone to hallucinations. She is locked in her room because she cannot be trusted on her own. She is only 47!! It breaks my heart. Has anyone else experienced (or known someone who has experienced) a side effect this serious?

78. Comment by John on 11 May 2010:

    I have been taking Chantix for 8 weeks and have not experienced any side effects other than painlessly quitting smoking after 16 years. Thanks Pfizer!

79. Comment by Tim on 16 May 2010:

    @John

    Congratulations John. Perhaps you’re one of the lucky ones. But don’t count your chickens before they hatch. You’re still not out of the woods yet. Aside from the potential side effects you might develop, you have a good chance of going back to smoking once you stop the Chantix. Don’t pat Pfizer on the back just yet. You may end up eating your words.

80. Comment by Barbara on 20 May 2010:

    I took Chantix from Oct 2006 through Feb 4 2007 and now I have Disarthria which includes, heart problem, Thyroid, Facial palsy
    Swollen tongue. I will have to have a feeding tube soon because chocking. Chantix changed my life forever. I tell everyone not to take that drug you don’t know what it will do. I worked in Marketing for a local Radio Station, but I can’t talk clearly so I am on Disability

81. Comment by patricia on 30 May 2010:

    started chantix april1, 2010. not smoking anymore but i am an emotional wreck. started to wean to qod may 16 and became severely depressed. crying, irritable, labile. called suicide hotlines, met with psychologist. then a friend noted the qod med correlated with qod breakdowns. past 10 days have been hell–wake up not remembering the day before, continuously crying, mean to boyfriend who is ready to give up on me, feeling detached. called pfizer and got cover your ass answers. called mental health hotline tonight about checking in. this is not my usual–i am an RN who spent a few years in behavioral health and feel like i am observing a depressed, psychotic patient. i am out of control

82. Comment by Theresa on 31 May 2010:

    My husband was taking chantix for awhile. He has become suicidal talking about dying all the time. Coming home in rages that is tearing his family apart. We cannot live with this behavior.He gets into trouble with the neighbors. One more rage and i’m done with this. The next day we tell him what he did and he doesn’t believe us. He thinks my son and i are conspiring to get rid of him. He is gone crazy. His friends describe him as having a mush brain. I had to have crisis put him into mental health hospital. I don’t know what were going to do. His doctor wanted him to take it for 2 years yeah right !!!
    maybe he should take it good luck to all the families that have been destroyed by this pill
    My husband survived a car accident with head trauma but this chantix is eating away his brain forever

83. Comment by Karyn on 8 June 2010:

    My son is a mess! Has anyone found anything that helps???? He has tried 3 different anti depressants, and nothing is helping. Has anyone sufferent mental problems, but are now back to normal??? WHAT NOW!!!! BESIDES SUING THE MANUFACTURERE WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP????????????

84. Comment by TinaMarie on 11 June 2010:

    I started taking Chantix in January. I stopped in April. I havent smoked since. That’s the positive. The negative? Since I stopped taking it, I’ve been dealing with extreme iritibility, major depression to the point where I have days that I can’t get out of bed. This is completely out of character for me. I’m a very stong woman. Most days I cry for no apparant reason. I feel completely out of control. I’m not suicidal, but I do have days when I wish I wouldn’t wake up in the morning. I’m glad I”m not smoking, but It wasn’t worth what I’m going thru now. Im an emotional mess and I’m scared and hopefully I’ll pull out of it. Please don’t take the risk and use this drug.

85. Comment by Barbara on 13 June 2010:

    I have a Defibrillator because of congestive heart failure, and Disarthria from Chantix, I had a complete physical 6 months before I was hospitalized and my Doctor was shocked because there was no sign of anything on my EKG, and I have a speech problem, my tongue is swollen and moves all the time, and that Causes chocking

86. Comment by Spencer on 14 June 2010:

    I have never taken chantix but after reading all your stories I am depressed.

87. Comment by donna on 18 June 2010:

    i was taking chantix for 3 months, had trouble sleeping, could not get along with anyone. i have a boyfriend for about 13 years. and he told me if i did not taking it he would leave me, but he still loves me.he said i was a bitch and was acting like one to. and now i have high bp, and never had it in my life. and i am 40.and it made me sick all the time.and i am still smoking and still with the same guy. and got 2 grand children and i love them to death. dont know what to do about high bp afraid to take anything for it.

88. Comment by Heidi on 27 June 2010:

    I was on chantix Four years ago. It worked great the first month i was on it and then boom…….blackouts, outburst of anger that i dont remember, i always felt sad normally a very happy bubbly person. Drove over 280 miles and didnt know how i ended up where i did. Days lost due to blackouts. And still to this day i am totally not myself or who i use to be before Chantix. Dizzy spells still to this day never had them before chantix. Im 35 years and i think that chantix should be taken off the counter. I know that some people exsperiance nothing at all but the Large varity well that over weighs it. I wish i never took the drug cause i think part of me is gone forever cause of it:(

89. Comment by Frances on 1 July 2010:

    I was able to stop smoking from day 1 (October 27, 2007) using Chantix. Like Lisa, I became constipated and stayed constipated. I went to gastro & digestive specialists for help and they couldn’t figure out my problem. I shared with each of them that the problem started while taking Chantix. I gave up on the specialist who really didn’t seem interested. For almost three years, I have had to take a laxative or two each day. In retrospect, I thought my aggression and unbecoming behavior was due to my health condition and the way I felt, but perhaps it to was a lingering side effect of Chantix. I still don’t smoke nor have a desire…stopped drinking too.

90. Comment by dave on 10 July 2010:

    i had taken champix for around the 9 week mark, when i had gone out with my wife to a wedding reception, yes i was drinking but not excesivly so, i remember the night up to around 10pm after that nothing except for waking up in the police cells the next morning in a paper police suit, it transpires that on the way home on the coach that had taken us there i had become aggressive verbaly with friends at first and then i just flipped i beat up and bit a chunck from one persons ear,when his wife tried to stop me i have attacked her also, causeing her to break her wrists, at the moment i am looking at a lenghty prison term because of this episode. i have to add that i have no recollection of any of this, can any of you please tell me of similar experences of uncontrolled rage and memory loss. this is not the first time in the 9 week period that i have experienced memory loss on these pills, but never before have i ever been this violent.please tell me i am not alone and that i am not going crazy.

91. Comment by Karyn on 13 July 2010:

    Dave- you are not alone, this is happening to alot of people. You need a good attorney who is education on this Chantix issue, it is becoming known to doctors, so it is not your imagination, this DEFINATELY is a result of taking Chantix.
    For everyone else writing, I spoke to my doctor today and he said that there is a “cure” so to speak. He said you do not just treat the symptoms, you need to go to a qualified phyciatrist who knows about chantix and there is medication you can take that will reverse the effects, he said it has to be a phyciatrist because they know about the brain and mental effects of chantix.

    If anyone has had good results from this please post it so that others can be helped. I would rather have a broken arm than a broken brain. But the good news is there is hope! Now that the medical field is finally realizing that there is a definate connection between chantix and the mental dissorders is has caused to perfectly normal people. DONT GIVE UP, GET HELP!!! Keep trying different shrinks until you find the one that knows how to treat it.

    Best of luck to all of you, you were trying to do something good for your health and then ended up with a far worse problem. My son took Chantix and now hates me, I am trying everything I can to find a way to “fix” him. I will keep all of you posted as I learn more to help you. Family memebers, please realize that this is not you loved one, this is someone who is severely hurt from this drug and love them and help them, dont give up on them. Would you walk away from them is they had cancer or aids???? No, I doubt you would. This is the same thing, they are sick, please dont desert them when they need your help the most. Make the calls, make the appoitments, do the research, help them. They are still inside somewhere, and you can help them come back.

92. Comment by connie on 15 July 2010:

    I smoked for 30 years and took chantix for 3 months in August I will be smoke free for one year. I don’t think I would have done it without the help from chantix I must have been one of the lucky ones.

93. Comment by anita on 16 July 2010:

    My dr perscribed me chantix i havent taken it yet, after reading all of this im scared too, i am on paxil for anxiety and i even asked him if i stop taking the paxil when i start the chantix he said no keep taking it. so now im confused

94. Comment by LINDA on 21 July 2010:

    I HAVE BEEN ON CHANTIX FOR 30 DAYS AND THE ONLY SIDE EFFECTS I’VE EXPERIENCED ARE DROWSY,CONSTIPATION. I DO NOT THINK THAT I WILL BE ON CHANTIX MORE THAN THE 12 WEEKS SUGGESTED. THE REST WILL BE PURE SELF CONTROL

95. Comment by Sommer on 25 July 2010:

    I have been a smoker for 16 yrs. I started taking Chantix 12 days ago. I am having severe physical side effects. None of which are listed on the possible side effects list for this drug. My back around my rib cage and into my kidneys feels like it’s on fire and is even hot to the touch. My breasts are so sore and tender I cannot wear a bra and now my gums are terribly sore and bleeding when I brush or floss my teeth. I stopped the Chantix cold turkey yesterday (day 13), something is not here and I’m terrified after reading many different forums all night that these conditions may be permenant. Up to this point I have emailed my Dr and haven’t felt any changes in my mood. A bit irritable and pissed off at times but now this morning it’s hitting me hard, I’m crying uncontrolably… I feel like invasion of the body snatchers. I am a mother of three children under 10 years and I cannot continue down this path or I will not be able to care for them the way I used to. My husband is extremely concerned and I have no idea what to do.

96. Comment by Donna on 25 July 2010:

    I quit smoking three years ago with the help of Chantix. I Think! I took Chantix for 11 weeks and the dreams were awful, one of the most terrifying dreams was when I utheninzed my niece. That was about 8 weeks into the program, I called my doctor the very next morning and he told me not to take the evening pill. It helped somewhat, but here it is 2 and 3/4 years later and the dreams are just as bad. I have seen a doctor about this but they say there is nothing they can do. Mood swings also affected me so I have been on an anti depressant since. Well the good thing i guess is it hurt too much to quit so I have no desire to smoke again.

97. Comment by Karyn on 27 July 2010:

    Sommer, at least you realized it and stopped taking it. If your doctor wont listen, find one who will. You are doing the right thing by reading all the blogs. Alot of people are going thru the same thing, but the good news is that it may not be permanate. I have been doing alot of talking and reading and now I am hearing more and more about ways to fix the problems. The hardest part was getting the medical field to realize that it is true and there definately is a connection to chantix. Now doctors are working on fixing these problems. So hang in there, dont be afraid, you have a loving family and a husband who cares. Talk to people, read everything you can, and most important find someone (a good doctor) who believes you and will work with you to undue the damage. I will be praying for you and the rest of the people suffering. You will get better. Dont give up! Your family needs you.

98. Comment by debra on 28 July 2010:

    i have been taking chantix for 3weeks now. I have been experiencing the ringing in the ears. I am down to about two cigarettes aday but would really like this ringing to stop. I would also like to know if anyone else has experienced this, “Is this one of the side of effects?

99. Comment by Chris on 2 August 2010:

    I took Chantix 3 years ago and used it to quit smoking successfully. HOWEVER while i was coming off I noticed I HAD to WEAN myself down to 1/2 pills and 1/4 pills to not feel severe anxiety or like i realllllly wanted a cigarette MAD. Be very careful this is a strong drug that works with side effects for sure.

100. Comment by EAD on 6 August 2010:

     Good Luck to all that have been suffering, my prayers are with you. I took Chantix for 10 weeks starting Feb 2010. I attended smoking cessession therapy with a trained conselor…(who was a HUGE Chantix Cheerleader)….I am sensitive to medications and I don’t even like to take advil so I was leary but convinced by the conselor that it would all be fine.(Little did I know at the time that Pfizer sponsers that program.) I Had the usual side effect to begin with, wild dreams, stomach upset, tiredness…but I quit smoking! Then, I started to feel like NOTHING mattered, life became really bleak at about 4 weeks in. People noticed the changes in my personality and were worried about my mental state. I was always a happy and vibrant person before that.I cut my dose in half and continued to fight to be a non-smoker, tried to stop taking chantix at 8 weeks, cold turkey. It was awful, terrible headaches and constant feeling of being sea-sick, wooshing noise in my ears and extreme sadness. So I called the conselor and she told me to get back on the meds asap….I did but only to gradually wean off and that was a liitle better. So as soon the medication was out of my system the urge to smoke was soooooooo strong. The sadness was overwelming, I wanted to feel happy again… and down the rabbit hole I went….back to being a smoker again. I know that I will quit again, but NEVER AGAIN with Chantix. I back to feeling excited about life and am planning my quit date with alternative methods this time. However…. now I have had to be put on high blood pressure medication that I have to start tonight, went to the DR a month and 1/2 ago and was told that my blood pressure was high and would return to normal when the Chantix was fully out of my system. Returned to the DR to check today and it was 147/102. A mere 8 months ago before the chantix it was consistantly 120/80. I am 39 and have not had any weight gain or lifestyle changes in those months. I also have not taken ANY other medications in this time. A horrible side effect from this nasty drug. I wish I had never taken it. SOOOOOOOOOOO NOT WORTH IT!

101. Comment by Cherie on 11 August 2010:

     I almost lost everything last summer. My other half and I both started Chantix together. Due to health reasons I was told I needed to quit smoking immediately and his doctors told him he should have quit a long time ago. Within 2 weeks we were like 2 different people. Snapping at each other, fighting all of the time, we had never been like that with each other before. He decided that we were better off ending things and being apart. This was too much for me to handle and I did something very out of character for me. I took 12 anti-depressants that were prescribed for me to help me sleep. I hand’t been contemplating suicide or anything like that, it just popped into my head to take the pills and I couldn’t think of anything else to do. After about 2 days we were sitting together talking and we both realized the same thing. Since we stopped taking the Chantix the day all of this happened it had started to work its way out of our systems and the people we were before started coming back out. It took about 2 months to get everything back to normal. He moved back into our apt., and now over a year later we are just as much in love as we were before we ever took the meds. We have made each other the promise of never even suggesting Chantix again. We were lucky. I didn’t die, he didnt do something stupid like get into a fight and get arrested, and we were able to get “us” back on track. This had not been my first time taking it. I had taken it for a few weeks about a year before and I had been smoke free for about 4 months. I had no side effects the first time so I didn’t expect them to happen. I almost lost my life, and we both almost lost the most true honest love anyone could ever imagine. Just to let you know, the paramedics, doctors, nurses, and social workers all asked me the same question. “Has you made any changes in your life or habits recently?” and when I told them we were taking Chantix to quit smoking they all said, “That probably was the biggest reason I took the pills and he turned into the angriest man alive.” I have seen us on and off of it, and I can without a doubt say, we are truly our best off of it. Yes we are still smoking but that is a small price to pay for getting our everything back to normal. It may not give us the longest possible life together, but at least we will spend what we have together.

102. Comment by Angela on 21 August 2010:

     I’ve been taking chantix for 21 days. Ever since I started taking this medicine I’ve been having trouble sleeping as well as getting very easily aggravated. I will no longer take this junk after today. I attempted to swallow a bottle of pills. Had it not been for my husband I probably wouldn’t be here right now. I’m so thankful my kids weren’t here to witness this like my husband and my parents were. My husband was restraining me to keep from me hurting myself, I bit him several times. I was screaming at times crying at others and laughing as well. It ended when the police and ems showed up. I almost ended up in jail for biting my husband, instead they made me go with ems and tried to talk my husband into committing me. Thankfully my husband refused so I’m able to be back with my kids.

103. Comment by Annette on 26 August 2010:

     I started taking chantix about 9 weeks ago and it has completly changed my life. I have quit smoking. I have had some awesome 3-d dreams,and nausea. Knowing that smoking is a direct result of anxiety. I talked to my dr. and decided I should also prepare in this process by taking anxiety medication, and modify my schedule to include exercise at a small scale. This balance has worked incredibily for me. I am smoke free, anxiety free, and I sleep better than ever. My life is so much better since Chantix. Thank you!!!!

104. Comment by lil on 27 August 2010:

     my husband took chantix from december 08 tomarch 09 on april1 o9 my husband committed suicide. My attorney says since he was off of it for over 30 days that i have no case. I wished my husband would have never felt the need to quit. I hope the makers and investors of this drug sleep well and I will pray for all who choose to use this drug

105. Comment by Annette on 30 August 2010:

     Okay..my internist put me on Chantix in January 07 and am still on it. She also prescribed Wellbutrin because I was worried about weight gain. Prior to these meds, I had never taken anything for depression. I see my Dr. for check ins and she continues to tell me that if the Chantix and Wellbutrin continue to work to just stay on them. My husband smokes and so I was worried that if I got off it, I would start to smoke again. My side effects have been all of the above over the course of the three and a half years that I have been on it. I have not only developed anorexia but am now at a psychiatric breaking point. I have an appt with a psychiatrist this week…after reading all of these comments I am so very worried about how long I have been on it. The last time I saw my internist she told me to see a psychiatrist and also had me sign a document (I am pretty sure it was a release of liability)because I shared with her my psychiatric fears but she did not take me off either the depressant or chantix. I am a healithy 30 year old and have always considered myself having strong willpower…my habits are the gym 5 days a week for the past 6 years and eating healthy but lately I have no willpower for the gym or eating healthy….add that to my anorexic thoughts and I am in hell. My statement is I have had increased psychological issues from about 3 months into taking chantix until now. I have a very supportive family and friend network who have all been concerned about me being on chantix but ultimately it was my decision to stay on it. I hope and pray that the psychiatrist is able to take me off these meds and that no long term damage has been done. I would like to know if anyone else has been on chantix as long as I have? This January it would be 4 years straight. Also, I have been very interested in reading about others issues with acne….I thought it was an age thing for me but now that I think about it….it started shortly after I started taking the chantix. I dont remember seeing that in the warnings? Also, my Dr. gave me xanax for the anxiety about two years ago and I have taken that only on an as needed basis.

106. Comment by robert on 30 August 2010:

     I took chantix several years ago and it worked wonderfully. Unfortunately I picked up smoking again, after trying to quit myself I went back to Chantix. The results were completely different, I had to stop it after 2 months because my anxiety was so high at times I could barely speak and couldn’t stop shaking. My anxiety has been continuously higher ever since even though I stopped taking it over 4 months ago. I’m consulting with my doctor to see if there is any way to get my anxiety under control again. I would recommend this to no-one.

107. Comment by Barbara on 3 September 2010:

     I was on Chantix when it first came out. Quit within first 10 days. I was smoke free for 4.5 years. Stupid me gave in during a weak moment 1.5 years ago & decided to try chantix again. I don’t mind the dreams, they’re entertaining Don’t mind the sense of taste and smell being sketchy as they will correct when Im done (and smokers don’t smell or taste stuff properlly anyhow). What I DO mind THIS time is the palpitations on my right temple…stopping Chantix tonight. For those who’ve had anneurisms or some “pulsing” in the brain, what were you told by your doctors? I have no insurance to see a specialist…

108. Comment by Rhonda on 4 September 2010:

     I tried Chantix two times, first was in 2009 for 3 weeks. I quit it after 3 weeks because of GI upset, headaches and strange dreams.

     In the Spring of 2010, I tried it again, this time beginning with lower dosage (1/2 pill in the a.m.). The GI upset and headaches were not as bad, and subsided within a few days. It began alleviating my desire to smoke, and I was pleasantly surprized to learn that it also lowered my appitite. I thought, “A-ha this will be the ticket to become smoke free and lose weight at the same time!” At the two week mark, I increased to 1 pill in the a.m. My dreams became more frequent and vivid. I really hadn’t had much urge to smoke at the end of week two, but figured a couple of more days on the Rx and less frequent smoking wouldn’t hurt. In week three, I took 1 pill each morning a.m. and 1 pill every other evening, quit smoking, and felt very confident that this would be my final quit forever! I happily countinued to lose pounds, but developed ringing in my ears. At the one month mark, I increased dosage to 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening (as typically prescribed) and was smoke free (or so I thought). However, the ringing in my ears continued to annoy me horribly and my hair started falling out in clumps, so much that friends and family began getting worried that I was undergoing cancer treatments or something and was reluctant to tell them. Around the two month mark at the regular prescribed dosage I noticed that I was often easily frustrated, often angered over the smallest things, depressed, and combative with others (very unlike my “normal” self. After a rather large stupid fight with a close family member, I felled compleled to smoke again. Then quit taking Chantix. I’ve been free of it for about three months. My hair is beginning to grow back, my appitite and the pounds are up again, I’m still depressed, frustrated and easily angered, and the ringing in my ears continues! What is this stuff? And does research accurately measure “successful” folks?

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