Smoking Cessation Drug Chantix: Emotional Side Effects

Smoking cessation drug Chantix has been under scrutiny in recent months as links to dangerous side effects emerge. Made by drug manufacturer Pfizer, Chantix was approved by the FDA in 2006 and quickly became a top seller, amassing $883 million its first year on the market.

Chantix Timeline

May 2006

Chantix is approved by the FDA as a treatment for those trying to quit smoking. In the FDA’s press release on the approval of Chantix, it cited “the most common adverse effects of Chantix were nausea, headache, vomiting, flatulence (gas), insomnia, abnormal dreams, and dysgeusia (change in taste perception).”

November 2007

The FDA released concerns about the drug after receiving “reports of suicidal thoughts and aggressive and erratic behavior in patients who have taken Chantix.” At the time, the FDA cautioned patients and their doctors to closely observe changes in behaviors or mood, to use caution when operating heavy machinery, and to stop taking the drug if behavior side-effects occurred.

January 2008

Pfizer stopped advertising Chantix.

February 2008

The FDA followed up their initial concerns with a public health advisory altering patients and providers to new safety warnings about Chantix. Although not a black box warning, the most serious kind, the warning did require a labeling change from Pfizer.

May 2008

Following the release of a new study by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices and a Public Health Advisory issued by the FDA, the FAA ordered pilots and air traffic controllers to stop taking the drug immediately. The study “found evidence for the occurrence of seizures, loss of consciousness, heart attacks, vision problems, and various psychiatric instabilities in individuals who use Chantix.”

September 2008

Pfizer began running new ads for Chantix. The new ads, however, don’t refer to the drug by name, instead the ads direct consumers to a web site. This “unbranded advertising” technique allows drug makers to draw in consumers without having to list the side effects of the drug they’re trying to market.

Injured by Chantix? Pittsburgh Chantix Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured taking the smoking cessation drug Chantix, and would like to speak with a Chantix lawyer, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation.