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CHANTIX SUICIDE
Chantix or Champix, (also known as varenicline) is a non-nicotine medicine prescribed to patients who wish to end their smoking addiction. Made by the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Chantix purportedly has a high success rate regarding smoking cessation (44 percent) but some people who have taken Chantix to quit smoking have experienced adverse side effects, including depression, suicidal thoughts and even suicide.
By November, 2007 the FDA had received reports of 37 suicides and more than 400 incidents of suicidal behaviors that were allegedly linked to Chantix. The agency now states that there is ‘a probable’ link between Chantix and serious psychiatric complications--from aggressive and erratic behavior to thoughts of suicide.
But the manufacturer doesn’t agree. According to Pfizer, those negative ‘incidents’ have been caused by nicotine withdrawal. Chantix is a big money-maker for the drug company: it estimates that three million people have been prescribed the medication.
Common side effects from Chantix include nausea; sleep disturbance (trouble sleeping, changes in dreaming); constipation; gas and vomiting. Meanwhile, the FDA advises that, due to reports of drowsiness, patients should use caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how using Chantix may affect them.
More disturbingly, the agency is currently evaluating postmarketing adverse event reports regarding suicidal ideation (thoughts) and erratic behavior in patients who have taken Chantix, sometimes developing symptoms within days of beginning treatment.
Although not all patients with adverse side effects have a history of psychiatric illness, Chantix may exacerbate preexisting psychiatric illness or cause a recurrence of past issues. Clearly, this drug is not for everyone and health professionals should be cautious when prescribing it.
Currently, lawsuits are being pursued against Pfizer for failing to adequately warn about the serious and potentially fatal side effects of this medication, and putting profits before the safety of its customers. If you, a friend or family member experienced unusual changes in behavior or suicidal thoughts from taking Chantix, you may want to seek legal help.
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