Chantix Linked to Serious Aggression Issues
By Andrea Gressman
Chantix has been the focus of a great deal of controversy. There are many who claim that the smoking cessation drug is an invaluable option in order to help smokers kick their habit. However, many former users and the family and friends of those Chantix users have a very different reality when it comes to the medication. Many who have first-hand experience with Chantix associate it with a living nightmare in regards to the severe side effects Chantix has been associated with and one of the most serious side effects can be the aggression it has been known to cause. Chantix targets certain neuro receptors in the user’s brain, which is the same part of the brain that reacts to the nicotine. Therefore, by removing the pleasurable sensation that the smoker typically gets from smoking then they are less likely to desire smoking.
However, the issue lies in the fact that while the brain is being affected in an attempt to help the smoker quit their habit it also messes with other functions of the brain and can cause a number of side effects as a result. A huge concern in many Chantix lawsuits filed is the suicidal thoughts and even suicide attempts that Chantix has been linked to. But there is another very concerning side effect and that is aggression.
Chantix Remains on the Market Despite Severe Side Effects
Despite all of the serious side effects that have been linked to Chantix the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to leave the drug on the market. However, they have issued a warning regarding some of the side effects and aggression is one of those side effects. Other side effects that they have issued warnings on are suicidal thoughts and even suicide attempts. However, those Chantix side effects only really scratch the surface.
In 2011, TIME published their Top 10 list of drugs that were linked to aggression and violent behavior. There were a few SSRI antidepressants on the list but Chantix actually topped the list. There was one study that TIME mentioned in their publication and that study determined that a user of Chantix had an 18 times more likelihood of experiencing aggression as well as other violent behavior in comparison to drugs in the same classification. This rate is compared to a 1.9 ratio when it comes to basic nicotine replacement like the patch and the nicotine gum.
At this time the FDA still says the benefits of Chantix outweigh its side effect risks. However, they have recommended to the medical community to monitor their patients carefully when they have provided the patient with a Chantix prescription. There have also been certain groups that will not allow their members to use Chantix. Two of these groups include the military and the aviation industry as they are concerned about the side effects Chantix could cause and how it could potentially affect the performance of that individual.
Other Chantix Side Effects
There are other Chantix side effects and some of them include the following:
- Aggressive behavior
- Cardiovascular events
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Suicidal attempts
- Suicidal ideation
- Vivid dreams
Filing a Chantix Lawsuit
If you took Chantix and experienced negative side effects, you need to know your legal options. Visit the Chantix Suicide, Heart Attack, Suicide Attempt & Stevens Johnson Syndrome Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation page to receive your free consultation from an experienced Chantix lawsuit attorney.
Updated January 17th, 2013
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.
Top Class Actions Legal Statement


2 thoughts onChantix Linked to Serious Aggression Issues
My husband to Chantix and his entire personality changed. He started thinking things that weren’t true. He became very aggressive and anger. It’s been almost two years since he took it and he still has severe anger issues
I took Chantix in December 2014.i went to hospital twice for it I have since then:
•Cardiovascular events
•Depression
•Lethargy
•Suicidal thought
•Halinations
•Vivid dreams
Aggressive behavior angsins