Dozens of Chantix Suicides Lead to Lawsuits
By Christina Drury
A smoking addiction and recovery drug known as Chantix has been linked to several serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts and actions, mood disorders and behavioral disorders. It wasn’t until early 2008 that the FDA finally conceded to the disturbing reports from Chantix users throughout the United States. Among the many reports, there were 34 cases of Chantix suicide and close to 420 accounts of Chantix suicidal thoughts and behaviors. So What Exactly is Chantix?
Chantix is a drug that is used to treat withdrawal symptoms experienced from smoking cessation. Smokers who want to quit use the drug to help them deal with their nicotine dependency and nicotine recovery. Generically named varenicline, Chantix produces a blocking effect on the brain to reduce the nicotine addiction. Quitting smoking is hard enough without having to worry about the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. It is the lower levels of dopamine and other brain chemicals that cause these unpleasant symptoms in someone who is attempting to quit smoking.
Chantix fights these withdrawal symptoms by stimulating the release of the low levels of dopamine and other brain chemicals that your body needs. Chantix also works by blocking the brain’s nicotine receptors, so if a user of the drug smokes another cigarette it will not have the same effect as before. This helps to prevent a potential relapse to a regular smoking habit.
What Chantix Side Effects Might You Experience?
Participants in a study of Chantix reported the following side effects:
* Changes in the way food tastes
* Gas
* Headache
* Insomnia
* Nausea
* Vivid, abnormal dreams
* Vomiting
The FDA began warning Chantix users about the potentially dangerous side effects of Chantix. After issuing an alert to health care professionals, the FDA required Chantix to carry a highly severe safety warning label. As of July 2009, Chantix started using the black box label to warn users of the dangerous side effects. These side effects include:
* Anxiety
* Attempting Suicide
* Depressed Mood
* Nervousness
* Suicidal Thoughts
* Tension
* Unusual Behaviors
The FDA also warned Chantix users to disclose any history of psychiatric illness in their family before starting the drug. Any changes in mood and behavior should also be reported to your doctor and users are advised that the medication may affect their ability to drive or operate machinery.
What Can You Do If You Have Experienced These Chantix Side Effects?
Chantix lawsuits are now numbering in the thousands and you can join the fight. If you or someone you know has experienced any of the serious side effects associated with the use of Chantix, visit our Chantix Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation website. Submit your information to qualified and well-informed attorneys for the legal advice you need. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering or loss of a loved one.
Updated December 14th, 2012
All medical device, dangerous drug and medical class action and lawsuit news updates are listed in the Drug and Medical Device section of Top Class Actions.
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