Chantix Side Effects Blamed for Man Faking His Own Death

By Sarah Mirando | August 17, 2012

Category: Pharmaceuticals

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By Sarah Pierce

A lawyer for a Long Island man who faked his own death says his client’s bizarre behavior was caused by his use of Chantix, an anti-smoking drug that has been linked to “changes in behavior.” Chantix has also been linked to severe mood changes, including suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, hostility and aggression. Numerous Chantix lawsuits have been filed against drug maker Pfizer for failing to adequately warn the public about the risk of Chantix side effects.

Long Island resident Raymond Roth, 47, was arrested on August 15, 2012 on suspicion of faking his own drowning in order to collect insurance money. Roth’s lawyer blames the incident on the smoking-cessation drug Chantix, which has been linked to bizarre behavior in many users. In 2009, the FDA placed a “black box” warning label on Chantix cautioning doctors and patients that recent data showed the drug increases suicidal behavior and depression far more than other drugs and methods designed to help smokers quit. Numerous patients have reported other Chantix side effects such as psychological disturbances and inexplicable violent behavior.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Chantix side effects can include changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depression, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Some patients developed these symptoms soon after taking Chantix, while others developed them after several weeks of treatment or after stopping Chantix. In June 2011, the FDA updated the Chantix side effects warning to include heart attack or other severe cardiovascular events. Recent studies have shown Chantix can increase the risk of heart attack by up to 70 percent.

Pfizer is currently conducting a large safety clinical trial to understand why Chantix causes psychiatric side effects, but the results will not be published until 2017, the FDA said. In the meantime, millions of Chantix users are at risk for side effects and serious injuries caused by the drug, Chantix lawyers argue.

If you or a loved one suffered Chantix side effects, a Chantix injury lawyer may be able to help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Visit the Chantix Suicide, Heart Attack, Suicide Attempt Class Action Lawsuit Settlement Investigation for more information. Chantix attorneys will provide a free consultation about your legal options, and are actively investigating all claims of Chantix side effects, including attempted suicide, suicide, heart attack, cardiovascular problems and severe physical injury after sudden or unexplained abnormal behavior.

Updated August 17th, 2012

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