Chantix Lawsuits

Last Updated: September 2009 • 69 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.

There Are 69 Comments So Far • (Add Your Comments)

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.
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.
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.
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
Comment by Bonnie on 8 July 2009:

I feel this medication isnot good for anyone
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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!
Comment by Sherry on 15 August 2009:

Day4…….All is well…….Reduction in smoking……..positve!!! side effects none so far.
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 ….
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 !!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
Comment by Michael on 14 December 2009:

Cases in vermont chantix med.
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?
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!
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!!!
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.
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.
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?
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
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!
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.
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.
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.