Prescription drugs are given to patients to help, and not harm, them; however, there are cases in which drugs are defective and can cause harmful effects to people taking them. Sadly, there are numerous defective drugs in the marketplace, which many people take per their doctors’ orders.
Chantix is one of these drugs. Chantix and its generic equivalent varenicline, manufactured by Pfizer, are intended to help smokers stop smoking. This drug is designed to diminish cravings, and works in the brain to block the pleasurable effects of smoking. Although this minimizes the desire to smoke, it has recently been associated with dangerous effects on brain functioning.
More common side effects of this drug include nausea, constipation and flulike symptoms. However, the most serious concern is that this drug may also cause depression and suicidal thoughts.
Many people who use this drug to combat smoking start feeling a number of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, including:
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Behavioral changes
- Panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Nightmares and insomnia
- Feelings of extreme fear
- Suicidal tendencies
Chantix can impair a person’s ability to think or react normally, and many people who have taken this drug have developed aggressive or hostile behaviors, or have been hyperactive and attempted to harm themselves.
The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert in February 2008 about the effects of Chantix. Their Warnings and Precautions Report warned that there have been serious neuropsychiatric symptoms in many patients taking Chantix. There was no recall issued on this drug, but the company was required to place a black box warning, the FDA’s strongest safety warning, on the drug’s label.
Doctors were also advised to monitor patients for unusual activity, inform their patients of harmful side-effects, and warn patients to stop using the drug if they have suicidal thoughts. Patients should also tell their doctors if they have a history of mental illness.
If you were affected or lost a loved one due to Chantix, you need to speak with someone who cares and understands the harmful effects of this drug. Our firm is currently handling Texas dangerous drug cases and Chantix harmful side effect claims. Please call to speak with one of our defective drug attorneys at the Voss Law Firm at 888-614-7730 today and request a free legal consultation. You will also receive our FREE book, Bad Pills and Their Side Effects.
