Chantix Lawsuits

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Side effects of Chantix, a popular stop smoking drug, have been linked to an increased risk of suicides, suicide attempts, aggressive and unusual behavior. A number of individuals throughout the United States are pursuing product liability lawsuits for suicides and other problems from Chantix.

CHANTIX LAWSUIT STATUS: All federal Chantix lawsuits have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, where the first trial dates are expected in late 2012 and early 2013. More than 2,500 cases have been brought nationwide, and at least one Chantix settlement agreement has been reached in a suicide case that was scheduled to be the first lawsuit presented to a jury.

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

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Sports-Betting-Addiction-Lawsuits

Do You Know About…

SPORTS BETTING ADDICTION LAWSUITS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Gambling addiction and severe financial losses have been linked to popular sports betting platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars. Lawsuits are being filed by young adults and students who were targeted by deceptive promotions, addictive app features, and aggressive marketing tactics. See if you qualify for a sports betting addiction lawsuit.

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION

MANUFACTURER: Pfizer, Inc.

OVERVIEW: Chantix (varenicline) is a prescription medication designed 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.

Although Pfizer had high hopes that the medication would become a top selling drug for the pharmaceutical company, concerns about serious and potentially life-threatening side effects of Chantix have limited use of the medication.

Chantix users have reportedly suffered severe psychological side effects, which may increase the risk of suicide, suicide attempts or other violent behavior, as a result of the way the drug interacts with the brain. Recent studies have also suggested that some users may face an increased risk of heart attacks and other heart problems from Chantix.

CHANTIX SUICIDE PROBLEMS: Shortly after Chantix was introduced, an alarming number of reports were received by the FDA MedWatch adverse event reporting system involving users who committed suicide on Chantix or suddenly attempted suicide, despite no prior history of psychological problems.

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 July 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.

CHANTIX LAWYERS: 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
  • Heart Attack
  • Peripheral Vascular Disease
  • Coronary Revascularization

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, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, Pfizer, Suicde
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200 Comments

EAD
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!
Chris
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.
debra
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?
Karyn
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.
Donna
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.
Sommer
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.
LINDA
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
anita
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
connie
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.
Karyn
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.
dave
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.
Frances
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.
Heidi
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:(
donna
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.
Spencer
I have never taken chantix but after reading all your stories I am depressed.
Barbara
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
TinaMarie
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.
Karyn
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????????????
Theresa
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
patricia
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
Barbara
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
Tim
‘@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.
John
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!
Robin
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?
Beth
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
Linda
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?
michael
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.
Tim
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.
patty
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.
Kevin
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!!
Kathy
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.
Debbie
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.
Jeffrey
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.
Bec
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.
Miles
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!
Ben
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
Kelly
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?
Tarah
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.
KS
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.
Nancy
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!!!
Susan
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!
Dianne
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?
Michael
Cases in vermont chantix med.
Jennifer
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.
terri
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.
keith
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
Jan
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.
cathy
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!
Fran
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.
krisi
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.
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