Chantix Lawsuits
Last Updated: September 2008 • 26 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: Lawsuits have been filed on behalf of individuals who died or suffered severe physical injury as a result of a suicide, suicide attempt or suddent unusual behavior. Lawyers are continuing to review new claims for users who were not warned of the Chantix suicide side effects.
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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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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 [...]
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.
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
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.
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 [...]
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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….
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.
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???
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.
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 .
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!
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.