February 20, 2008
By Scott Kappes

A report published today claims that clinical trials will begin next month to see if Pfizer's stop smoking drug, Chantix, can be an effective treatment for curbing drinking and gambling habits. The drug has been shown to be effective in treating smoking addiction, but has been met with widespread controversy over a possible link to neuropsychiatric events, including suicidal ideation and suicidal action. Dr. Selena Bartlett, who claims that Chantix has reduced alcohol consumption in rates by 50 percent, will be heading up the study.

Although Selena is convinced about the drug's potential, she has so far found it very difficult to convince others, and that too despite this medication gaining widespread media attention in the US.

After reading several horror stories about the experiences some people have had when mixing Chantix and alcohol I am not convinced either. Many attribute the psychotic episode ending in the tragic shooting death of Dallas musician, Carter Albrecht to effects induced by consuming alcohol while on Chantix. In a recent article published in New York Magazine, Derek de Koff, claims to have held a conversation with a shadow cast by a potted plant when mixing Chantix and alcohol.

Selena says the Chantix trials are one of 10 major projects her lab team will be tackling in an effort to reduce ethanol consumption. While I am not convinced of the efficacy of Chantix as a treatment for alcoholism, this study should cast new light on the effects of mixing Chantix with alcohol.

February 13, 2008
By Scott Kappes

A writer for New York Magazine recently published an article entitled, "My Brain on Chantix," revealing his personal experiences while taking Chantix. Derek de Koff says in the article that he never believed the stories of Chantix contributing to the tragic shooting death of Carter Albrecht, that is until he began taking the drug himself. Chantix has been hailed by many as a "miracle drug," but others have reported serious side effects ranging from vivid and frightening dreams to suicidal behavior. In the article de Koff chronicles his experiences with Chantix from start to finish.

De Koff''s experience began just as most others do, filled with optimism and well-wishing from his doctor. Aside from a slight bit of nausea his first impression of Chantix was that it seemed to be an effective stop smoking aid. Within a few days he had discovered what many users refer to as "Chantix Dreams," vivid almost real dreams or nightmares that are a common side effect associated with the drug.

"By night four, my dreams began to take on characteristics of a David Cronenberg movie. Every time I'd drift off, I'd dream that an invisible, malevolent entity was emanating from my air conditioner, which seemed to be rattling even more than usual. I'd nap for twenty minutes or so before bolting awake with an involuntary gasp. I had the uneasy sense that I wasn't alone."

De Koff goes on to say that he never felt like he was actually asleep when on Chantix. He says that it felt more like a lucid dream and that even in sleep he felt like a part of him was on guard.

De Koff also claims that he began to have what he calls "self-destructive fantasies." He recalls thinking that he should jump in front of a tour bus or put his head through a monitor. The truly odd thing about these feelings is that as he experienced them he knew that these were crazy thoughts but could not make them go away. From here things got even worse. De Koff says that he began to avoid interaction with people and began to dread venturing outside of his apartment. He claims that all of the things that used to bring him joy somehow no longer seemed to matter.

Trying to pull himself out of the depressed mood he had been experiencing De Koff decided he would try to go out and have a few drinks. While Chantix had no warning against alcohol I am firm believer that it should after reading about De Koff's experiences.

[One] night, at an East Village bar, an older man in a trench coat caught my attention. I chatted him up for a while, until I realized I was actually trying to go home with the shadow cast by a potted plant. With alcohol in my system, I was somehow able to take this hallucination in stride: "The man who got away..." But that same evening ended with my taunting a skinhead who was improbably on the corner of Avenue A and 14th Street. "You must be lost," I snapped. "Are you looking for 1993?" He ended up chasing me into a deli and saying he was going to murder me. (The guy at the register called the cops and the skinhead fled, so I'm fairly confident that he, at least, was real.)

He goes on to describe how he began to start experiencing blackouts and how he would be overcome regularly with bouts of crying and anger, to a point where suicide seemed like a viable option.

This is probably the most in depth account I have ever read by an actual user of Chantix. The thoughts expressed here should cause alarm for anyone contemplating taking Chantix. While smoking will most likely kill you somewhere down the road; Chantix may cost you your life in a matter of weeks.

Recently the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory on Chantix, saying that it is becoming increasingly likely that a link between Chantix and nueropsychiatric events, including changes in behavior and suicidal ideation, may exist. If you or someone you love has had a serious adverse reaction to Chantix we would love to hear about it.

February 06, 2008
By Scott Kappes

On Friday the FDA issue a Public Health Advisory for Pfizer's popular smoking cessation drug Chantix. This advisory comes just two months after an Early Communication advised physicians of a possible link between Chantix and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The FDA has now said that it is becoming increasingly likely that this association exists. The shooting death of Dallas musician Carter Albrecht, reportedly to be linked to Chantix, triggered public awareness and controversy about the drug. Since then numerous claims of aggression, depression, suicidal ideation and even suicidal action have been reported. In the UK public controversy was sparked when at least three suicides were linked to the drug. While more research is needed to draw conclusive results, it does appear that Chantix may affect some people far more than making them not want to smoke.

"Chantix has proven to be effective in smokers motivated to quit, but patients and health care professionals need the latest safety information to make an informed decision regarding whether or not to use this product," said Bob Rappaport, M.D., director of the FDA's Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Rheumatology Products. "While Chantix has demonstrated clear evidence of efficacy, it is important to consider these safety concerns and alert the public about these risks. Patients should talk with their doctors about this new information and whether Chantix is the right drug for them, and health care professionals should closely monitor patients for behavior and mood changes if they are taking this drug."

No causal relationship has been established between Chantix and neuropsychiatric events; however, an association cannot be ruled out. Patients with preexisting mental heath problems should exercise extra caution as study results suggest that Chantix may trigger old mental illness to present themselves again. The FDA will continue to monitor reports associated with Chantix, and along with ongoing studies and data analysis hopefully we will soon know exactly why some people have responded to the medication in the way they have.

February 01, 2008
By Scott Kappes

Today the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory for Pfizer's stop smoking drug Chantix to inform health care providers and consumers about concerns surrounding the drug. Last November the agency issued an Early Communication on Chantix in response to an abundance of adverse events reported to the agency following the tragic shooting death of Dallas musician Carter Albrecht. Reports of behavioral changes, depression, suicidal thought and even suicidal action have surfaced all too often over the past several months. The FDA now says that it is becoming increasingly likely that Chantix may be linked to serious nueropsychiatric symptoms.

The FDA has requested that Pfizer reevaluate the labeling of Chantix. The FDA has asked that patients with a history of psychiatric illness inform their physicians of this and to exercise caution when using Chantix. The drug may cause these illnesses to worsen or may cause old psychiatric problems to reoccur. Any patient experiencing changes in mood or behavior should report these changes to their physician immediately.

"Symptoms may include anxiety, nervousness, tension, depressed mood, unusual behaviors and thinking about or attempting suicide. In most cases, neuropsychiatric symptoms developed during Chantix treatment, but in others, symptoms developed following withdrawal of varenicline therapy."

The FDA will continue to review Chantix and further explore the possibility of a link to neuropsychaitric symptoms. The agency may at a later time request further restrictions or labeling changes for Chantix if the results of further evaluation deem action to be necessary.

January 29, 2008
By Scott Kappes

Yesterday Pfizer announced that it had received approval from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare to manufacture and market the popular stop smoking aid known as Chantix in the US. The drug will be marketed as Champix in Japan, as it is in the UK and EU. This will be the first oral smoking cessation aid availible in Japan and Pfizer expects it to be very popular among Japanese smokers wishing to kick the habit. Some concern should accompany the approval as several health authorities have revised the labeling of their version of the drug to warn of a possible link between Chantix/Champix and neuropsychiatric events.

In both the US and the UK the drug has recently gained notoriety in the media after highly publicized stories link suggested the drug may be linked to possible thoughts of suicide and suicidal actions. In the US, thousands of adverse reactions flooded into the FDA's reporting system following the tragic shooting death of Dallas musician Carter Albrecht. He was shot and killed by a his girlfriend's neighbor after trying to kick down the door of their home at 4 am in an apparent psychotic episode. Those close to the musician say that a severe reaction to Chantix is the only thing that could explain the actions of the mild tempered Albrecht.

In the UK at least two suicides have been linked to the drug and thousands of adverse events have been reported to health authorities. In Australia, Champix hit the market at the turn of the new year and carried with it a warning of possible suicidal thought and action. The FDA also recently announced labeling changes for Chantix to inform consumers and physicians of the possible dangers associated with drug.

No causal relationship has been established as of thus far, but both the FDA and Pfizer have said that a link cannot be ruled out at this point. More studies are needed to determine the actual risks associated with drug. We will soon see how the Japanese market responds to Champix and any problems arise subsequent to its introduction to the Japanese market.

January 25, 2008
By Scott Kappes

Today I came across yet another story that appears to link Pfizer's blockbuster stop smoking aid Chantix, marketed as Champix in the UK, to an increased risk of suicidal thought and behavior. The horrifying story of a 38-year-old UK woman taking Chantix who tried to take her own life with no recollection of the event is one of the most disturbing accounts that I have come across. Karen McGhee woke up in the hospital with a bandaged arm and the left side of her mouth and neck feeling numb as if she had been to the dentist. When she asked what had happened and what she was doing in the hospital she was informed that she had tried to hang herself from the banister in her home. Her nine-year-old daughter found her hanging with the valance from the curtains around her neck.

Karen listened intently as the events of her near death experience were revealed to her. She was told that she had turned blue due to lack of oxygen and that her heart had stopped five times on the way to the hospital in the ambulance. After three days on life support her family made the difficult decision to pull the plug, convinced by physicians that Karen would have severe brain damage if even if she were able to come out of the coma. She was expected to die within minutes, but Karen miraculously began to breathe on her own.

Karen believes that the only explanation for her experience was Pfizer's Champix, which she had been taking to help her quit smoking. She had become irritable and depressed shortly after starting Champix, but had written it off to nicotine withdrawal. Others also noticed a change in the usually cheerful and energetic Karen to the lethargic and depressed woman she had become in a few short weeks after beginning a Champix regimen.

Karen is thankful that she survived a very close brush with death and is trying to put the pieces back together after the traumatic events of the past. She began smoking again the week she left the hospital but says that she has not been criticized for it as everyone would rather have her alive than smoke free.

Health Authorities around the world have responded to concerns about Chantix by adding additional warnings for possible increased risk of suicidal ideation and psychotic behavior. Last week the FDA made labeling changes to Chantix to warn patients and physicians about this possible link. As of thus far no causal relationship has been established, but according to both Pfizer and the FDA a link cannot be ruled out at this point.

January 22, 2008
By Scott Kappes

This week Pfizer announced a label change for the popular smoking cessation medication Chantix in the U.S. due to increased concern of a possible link between the drug and suicidal thought and behavior. Just as this news hits the U.S. the United Kingdom is rattled by the news of yet another suicide being linked to Champix, the marketing name for Chantix in the UK. A 36-year-old welder and father of two seems to be the latest of several people who have had suicidal and psychotic reactions that are being attributing to Chantix.

The Yorkshire man hanged himself shortly after completing a 13-week course of the medication. This is the second highly publicized suicide linked to Chantix.

European regulators last month ordered improved warnings to patients over the twice-daily prescription medicine amid reports it could lead to depression.

Latest figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) show one patient has taken his life while on the drug, two others have attempted suicide and there have been 60 other suicidal-type suspected adverse reactions reported.

The man's wife says that he became quiet and withdrawn shortly after starting Chantix. She claims that he had not been smoking and that the pills did seem to be working but his moods were very strange and uncharacteristic of him. He had finished the regimen of Chantix a week before his death and had immediately taken up smoking again after stopping.

There has been no causal relationship established between Chantix and suicidal thoughts or behavior, but the very disturbing events that occurred over the past several months have created a buzz around the drug and has both physicians and patients exercising a little more caution when prescribing and taking Chantix.

January 21, 2008
By Scott Kappes

On Friday Pfizer announced that a labeling change for the popular stop smoking drug Chantix. The FDA is conducting an ongoing investigation of the drug and its possible link to suicidal thoughts and other psychological effects. The label has been altered to reflect the fact that some patients may experience "serious nueropsychiatric symptoms" including but not limited to suicidal behavior. Chantix was approved by the FDA in 2006 as a stop smoking aid and has seen tremendous success since its approval with continued growth in sales revenue combined with thousands of success stories. However, shortly following the September shooting death of musician Carter Albrecht, who was shot and killed after a series of bizarre psychotic events while taking Chantix, reports began to flood into the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System with claims of psychological side effects.

In November the FDA issued an early communication warning physicians and patients alike that the drug could be linked to suicidal thought and behavior. They encouraged doctors to closely monitor patients taking Chantix and report all side effects to the FDA. This new warning says that a possible link cannot be ruled out in some cases. This is not to say that a causal relationship has been established but this is a step in that direction.

" The drug company said this latest update was to ensure doctors and patients can better weigh up the benefits versus the risks of the various ways to quit smoking and the treatments available, including Chantix."

January 18, 2008
By Scott Kappes

Today Pfizer announced that the smoking cessation drug Chantix will now carry an additional warning advising doctors to monitor patients for changes in behavior, including but not limited to depressed mood, agitation, suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior. While no causal relationship has been established between these changes and Chantix; however, Pfizer said a possible link couldn't be ruled out.

Pfizer would not disclose how man reports of erratic behavior and suicidal thoughts that they have collected, but did say that a change in the "warnings" section of the prescribing information was warrented. The company has also changed their marketing plan for now. The company is currently only running ads that raise awareness about a prescription option to help people quit smoking but do not contain the any mention of Chantix by name.

The FDA launched an investigation into Chantix back in November of 2007 due to an overwhelming amount of adverse events being reported shortly after the shooting death of musician Carter Albrecht that many believe can be directly linked to his use of Chantix to help him kick the habit.

Chantix has been a great success as of thus far for Pfizer, generating over $600 million in sales in the third quarter of 2007; however, the future for Chantix could be much more troublesome depending on future studies and evaluations of the drug.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Drugs, Medical Devices and Implants

January 02, 2008
By Scott Kappes

Last week the CBS evening news featured a story on the possible relationship between Pfizer's smoking cessation drug Chantix and an increased risk of suicide. The story was centered on 33 year-old Amy Garza. Garza claims that shortly after starting Chantix she began to have fall into what she described as a "psychotic breakdown." Garza made an attempt to take her own life shortly thereafter.

Chantix was prescribed to Garza by her doctor and when she first began the regimen she thought she had found the answer to her problems, she thought she had found a miracle dug that would let her kick the habit she had been living with for over 16 years. The scar on her wrist tells the story of how her dream became a nightmare.

Garza believes that there could be no there explanation for her state of mind that nearly cost her her life other than effects of Chantix. Chantix acts in a different way than stop smoking aids of the past. Chantix actually works inside the brain and blocks receptors from receiving the pleasurable effects of smoking cigarettes.

Garza has enlisted the services of Reich & Binstock, LLP, a Houston based personal injury law firm specializing in defective medications, to assist her in her battle against the manufacturer of Chantix and pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. If you or someone you love has had an adverse reaction to Chantix, Reich & Binstock may be able to help you too.

January 01, 2008
By Scott Kappes

With the New Year upon us millions of people will have made their New Year's resolution to quit smoking. They will seek every avenue available to help them through the quitting process. They will try nicotine patches and gum, and many will opt for Pfizer's Chantix to help them deal with the difficulties associated with quitting smoking. Smokers who decide to use Chantix to help them quit smoking should be aware that they could be getting more than they bargained for in some cases.

Over the past few months a sentiment has been growing alleging that Chantix may cause suicidal thoughts and psychotic behavior in some users. The FDA has launched an investigation into these allegations but no definitive results have been conveyed to the public as of thus far. The drug hits the market in Australia today and carries an additional warning for the possible risk of suicidal ideation associated with the drug. European authorities have decided to place a similar warning on their version of the drug, marketed as Champix.

The next few weeks could really have a huge impact on the future of Chantix in the U.S. and around the world. This is probably the most popular time of the year for people to quit smoking and if the over the next few weeks the FDA is bombarded with complaints of adverse reactions to Chantix the drug may soon carry additional warnings here in the U.S.

The FDA has asked physicians to closely monitor patients taking Chantix and has asked that all adverse reactions be reported to the Adverse Event Reporting System.

 

December 18, 2007
By Scott Kappes

The European Medicines Agency (EMEA), the European equivalent to the FDA, has decided that new advice is needed to warn both doctors and patients a possible link between Pfizer's stop smoking drug Champix, marketed as Chantix in the U.S., and suicide. The decision has been made to include a warning for depression, suicidal ideation or thoughts, and the possibility of suicide. Australian authorities announced last week that the drug will be sold with a similar warning when it hits the Australian market in January of 2008.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has been closely monitoring the safety of Champix since it was first authorized in the European Union (EU) in September 2006. As part of the routine pharmacovigilance activities, all adverse reactions for Champix are analyzed on a regular basis. Cases of suicidal ideation and suicide were reviewed in July, October and November 2007.

The FDA has also launched an investigation of the drug. Numerous reports of suicide and suicidal ideation have been reported to the FDA's adverse event reporting system. Pfizer claims that Chantix is safe and backs this up by stating that clinical trials did not demonstrate an elevated risk in these areas.

The future of Chantix in the U.S. is still up in the air, but it is clear that concerns about possible side effects have made a large enough impression to persuade foreign agencies to add additional warnings to the drug.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Drugs, Medical Devices and Implants

December 14, 2007
By Scott Kappes

Over the last few months the troubles for Pfizer's smoking cessation drug, Chantix, have been growing by leaps and bounds. The shooting death of Dallas musician Carter Albrecht sparked public interest here in the U.S. and in the UK and Europe their version of the same drug, marketed as Champix, was thrown into the public eye after the highly publicized suicide of well known television editor Omer Jama shortly after starting the drug. This week a new report shows that claims of suicidal thoughts associated with Champix doubled in just a 60 days period in Europe.

According to that same report, in a clinical trial with Champix, the drug had six times the number of serious adverse reactions as a similar drug, Zyban. Pfizer used Zyban as a comparison in clinical trials to show the success rate of its drug.

The FDA is currently in the process of investigating adverse events reported in the U.S. and just last week the Australian equivalent to the FDA announced that when the drug hits the Australian market in January of 2008 it will contain a warning that some patients have experienced depression, agitation, and suicidal thoughts.

Pfizer continues to deny any causal relationship between suicidal ideation and the popular stop-smoking aid and claims that in clinical trials no suicides were attributed to Chantix or Champix.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Drugs, Medical Devices and Implants

December 11, 2007
By Scott Kappes

Over the past few months there has been plenty of attention paid to Pfizer's smoking cessation drug, Chantix. Reports of serious side effects have been pouring into the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System. Reports of suicide and suicidal ideation have been all too common among these reports. The FDA says they are also investigating over 100 cases of psychotic behavior associated with the drug. On November 20, 2007 the FDA announced that they would be reevaluating Chantix due to overwhelming concern about the drug. The same drug is marketed as Champix in UK and will soon be introduced in Australia under the same name; however, when Champix goes on the market in Australia on January 1 it will carry warnings that it has been linked to suicidal thoughts.

After reviewing reports submitted to the FDA the Australian equivalent, Therapuetic Goods Administration (TGA), asked Pfizer to issue "Dear Doctor" letters to Australian physicians to inform them of the news.

A TGA spokeswoman said Pfizer has also included a new warning on Champix, stating "there have been reports of depressed mood, agitation, changes in behavior, suicidal ideations and suicide in patients attempting to quit smoking while taking Chantix."

The shooting death of Dallas musician Carter Albrecht sparked national concern about the drug and earlier this month British papers reported the suicide death of a popular television editor. This has thrown the drug into the public eye.

Concerns about Chantix have been mounting rapidly over the last few months and I believe it is only a matter of time before FDA reaches the same conclusion that the TGA has and in turn adding a similar warning to Chantix here in the United States.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Drugs, Medical Devices, and Implants.

December 27, 2007
By Scott Kappes

Last night the CBS Evening News featured an interesting story on Pfizer's prescription stop smoking drug Chantix. The story featured an interview with 33 year-old Amy Garza, a 17 year smoker who tried Chantix to help her quit smoking. Garza was initially very pleased with the results she got from the drug and thought she was well on her way to living a smoke-free life, that is until she tried to killed herself.

Garza claims that out of nowhere she found herself in the midst of a psychotic breakdown. The event breakdown culminated which Garza making an attempt to take her own life. Garza had never been under psychological care and the past places the blame for her suicidal thoughts and suicide attempt on Chantix.

Thousands of others have experienced adverse effects from the popular drug world wide. Both Europe and Australia have decided to include a suicidal thought warning on the drug in their markets. The FDA has launched an investigation into Chantix and is currently reviewing data from clinical trials and the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System to decide if the drug should carry additional warnings on the U.S. market.

For some Chantix has been a miracle drug and has undoubtedly extended their lives by assisting them in quitting smoking; however, others like Amy Garza, allege that Chantix almost most cut their lives short.

Anyone taking Chantix should be closely monitored and should be very cautious of adverse effects. The FDA has requested that all adverse effects be reported to their Adverse Event Reporting System. If you have had an undesirable experience while taking Chantix we are also interested in hearing about it.

December 17, 2007
By Scott Kappes

The European Medicines Agency has decided that Pfizer's smoking cessation drug Champix, marketed as Chantix in the States, needs to include a an updated warning to inform physicians and consumers of the possibility of depression, suicidal thought and even suicide attempts associated with the drug. There have been reports of several suicides and numerous claims of suicidal ideation attributed to the Champix. Pfizer maintains that there is no clinical evidence to suggest a causal relationship.

The FDA has also launched an investigation to examine similar reports from patients taking Chantix in the United States. Last week Australian authorities announced that Champix will carry a depression and suicide warning when it is introduced to the Australian market in January of 2008. The Committee for Medical Products for Human Use (CHMP) has requested that Pfizer submit a new variation of the label by the December 19 in order to implement the changes to the product information.

Consumers who experience adverse reactions to Chantix are urged to report events to the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System and contact a their physician for more information and advice.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Drugs, medical Devices, and Implants.

December 06, 2007
By Scott Kappes

An American Journal of Psychiatry article suggests the smoking cessation drug Chantix may induce manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. The article tells the story of a 63 year-old man with a history of bi-polar disorder. The patient had been stable for 5 years while being treated with valproic acid. One week after starting Pfizer's Chantix the man was committed to an inpatient psychiatric unit after meeting the criteria for a manic episode.

It appears that the patient had not altered his regimen of valproic acid, his drug screening was negative, and all laboratory tests were normal, but he was in the midst of a manic episode. Chantix was discontinued and additional medication was administered to combat his mania. Within a week the patient showed no manic or psychotic symptoms.

Due to the high rate of smoking in bipolar disorder patients, smoking cessation agents may be used in a great number of patients with the disorder. However, our findings suggest a possible link between the onset of manic symptoms and treatment with varenicline in a patient with bipolar disorder. In this case, there was a temporal relationship between the beginning of therapy and the onset of symptoms. There were no other medication changes in our patient's regimen. A MEDLINE literature search revealed no case reports or studies regarding manic symptoms with varenicline. Our case highlights the need to use caution when prescribing the drug to patients with bipolar disorder.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Drugs, Medical Devices and Implants.

November 21, 2007
By Scott Kappes

Yesterday the FDA published an article on their website informing the public and physicians that they are currently reviewing the smoking cessation drug Chantix. The FDA says that they have received reports of erratic behavior and suicidal thoughts from Chantix users. The manufacturer, Pfizer, has submitted postmarketing cases of suicidal ideation and behavior. Preliminary observations reveal that many cases seem to suggest the onset of depression, changes in behavior and emotion, and suicidal ideation within days of starting Chantix. The FDA does say that the role Chantix has played in these cases is unclear, as quitting smoking without medication can exacerbate underlying psychiatric disorders.

The FDA commented on the highly publicized shooting death of Carter Albrecht, which has been tied to the adverse effects of Chantix. Albrecht was fatally shot after a very uncharacteristic psychotic act one week after beginning Chantix. His girlfriend has been adamant that Chantix must have induced Albrecht's action leading directly to his death.

The FDA is also exploring reports of extreme drowsiness associated with Chantix. Some believe this is related to reports of intense vivid dreaming while taking the medication. Reports describe patients who had impaired ability to drive and operate machinery while on Chantix.

Physicians are being urged to carefully monitor behavior and mood changes while on Chantix. Patients are being advised to use caution when driving or operating machinery until they know how the smoking cessation drug will affect them.

This early transmission does not confirm a causal relationship between the drug and any of the above listed side effects, however; the FDA will continue to evaluate potential claims and will inform the public of the results of the analysis when conclusion are able to be drawn.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Drugs, Medical Devices, and Implants.

October 08, 2007
By Scott Kappes

Every day I am finding more and more people who have experience drastic side effects while using the drug Chantix, side effects which are not listed in the Chantix warning label. Chantix is a new drug, manufactured by Pfizer, to purportedly help people quit smoking. The results experienced by many of the people who have taken this drug range from severe depression, psychotic episodes and attempted suicide. With so many people experiencing these sometimes long-lasting symptoms, it is a wonder that Chantix has not warned against this.

Chantix is currently using big money to advertise on highly publicized locations such as NFL half-time shows, Yahoo and many more. Of course the commercials mention nothing about the serious side-effects. There are a number of blogs and message boards dedicated to the "unpublicized" side effects, however, Pfizer has yet to announce these.

There have been some very scary things posted about Chantix over the recent weeks on message boards from people all over the world. I read a post last Wednesday from a Milwaukee man that sent chills down my spine. He claims that after a few beers and his normal regimen of Chantix he was awoken by his wife screaming at him the next morning. She wanted to know how long their 3 month-old son had been sleeping on the sun porch.

"The last thing I remember is putting him in his crib. So I must have slept walked with my boy!!! Crazy!! I may discontinue the med, gonna see if it happens again. If it was winter time the situation could have been deadly!"

He is completely right this could have been deadly. There are hundreds of other complaints on dozens of other message boards associated with the side effects of this drug. Chantix is a relatively new drug and does not have a wealth of research behind it. Of course it is never a good idea to mix any drug with alcohol but many people do. Adverse events with this drug should be reported top the FDA and we would also like to hear about your experience.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Drugs, Medical Devices, and Implants.

October 03, 2007
By Scott Kappes

I have been writing over Chantix for just about a month now and our law firm has received dozens of inquiries about Chantix form patients claiming bizarre side effects. Just yesterday we were contacted by a couple that took the drug together and both experienced such bad side effects, including but not limited to suicidal ideation, that they had to stop taking the medication. I saw a report today from a Pennsylvania news station from a couple that claims to have had similar reactions. I have also heard several complaints recently of more persistent problems that have seemed to linger with patients even after they stop taking the medication. Most of these seem to be related to cognitive function but there have also been reports of fatigue, stomach pain, acid reflux, and depression.

Just in case you haven't heard about Chantix yet here is brief synopsis. Chantix is a stop smoking aid that was approved for use by the FDA in May of 2006. The early results of the drug were outstanding and people have been jumping on the bandwagon ever since. Most people say that the drug has been a wonderful tool in helping them quit smoking and has been far more effective than anything else they have tried, but some seem to have unique reactions to the drug that cause serious side effects. One case that has made national news has been the death of Dallas musician, Carter Albrecht, who apparently had a psychotic episode involving intense hallucinations after he had a few drinks while on Chantix.

If you or someone you know has had a serious adverse reaction to Chantix we would like to see if we can help you. We are exploring the possible litigation against the drugs manufacturer Pfizer and would like to hear about your experience.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Drugs, Medical Devices, and Implants.

September 25, 2007
By Scott Kappes

The shooting death of Dallas musician Carter Albrecht has gotten quite a bit of attention throughout the U.S. media. The Castle Doctrine has been the main focal point associated with Albrecht's death, but concerns about the prescription stop smoking aid Chantix have also gotten nation wide attention. Albrecht's girlfriend has alleged that Chantix had to play a significant role in the psychotic episode that eventually ended with him being shot and killed. Since the original story broke on Labor Day there have been numerous claims of serious adverse effects to the drug.

Kenneth in Euless, TX said that he felt very aggressive and like he was loosing control when taking Chantix. He also claims to have suffered a mini stroke while on the medication at only 37 years of age.

Karen from Washington alleges that her brother has now become a complete invalid after taking Chantix. She claims that he has suffered kidney failure in addition to neurological breakdown. She believes that this is a direct result of taking Chantix.

There have been several allegations of suicidal thoughts and a few suicide attempts. There have even been a couple of claims of people who have taken their lives as a result of taking Chantix. Suicidal ideation is a listed under the rare side effects of this drug.

Joseph of Terrell, TX says that he could not tell when he was awake and when he was dreaming. He tells a story of waking up to a doorbell ringing at two o'clock in the morning. He heard his wife say she would get it and became concerned at the late hour. After grabbing his pistol he proceeded to the front door expecting to see his wife there. As it turns out she was not there and there was no one at the door either. Joseph says that he was dreaming up to the point of getting up and grabbing his gun and could not distinguish the dream from reality at all. This is exactly how Albrecht's actions on the morning of his death. She says it was like he was in a dream, or better yet a nightmare.

These allegations are very serious and should not be taken lightly. The FDA has said that they will be investigating the drug in detail. Some suspect that there could be serious interactions between Chantix and alcohol and other drugs. With more than 3 million people taking Chantix in the United States alone if this drug does turn out to have severe side effects associated with it the FDA and Pfizer could have their hands full.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Drugs, Medical Devices, and Implants.

September 19, 2007
By Scott Kappes

The stop smoking medication Chantix has been getting some unwanted attention recently in the media. Claims of Chantix causing some very strange and intense side effects have been surfacing quite a bit after the Labor Day shooting of Dallas musician Carter Albrecht. His girlfriend's neighbor tragically shot and killed Albrecht after he apparently tried to kick the door in of his house early Labor Day morning. Albrecht had been taking the prescription anti-smoking drug Chantix for about a week, when the event occurred. His girlfriend claims that he was not aware of his surroundings and was in a dreamlike state when his violent outburst occurred. She blames Chantix for the normally mild mannered Albrecht's psychotic actions that morning.

Today ABC news published an article on the event and has had several responses already of people claiming that they experienced reactions similar to Albrecht after taking Chantix. Feelings of depression and sadness seem to be a common theme through most of the responses, but moreover others claim to have had violent feelings after mixing Chantix with alcohol. The really scary part about the posts that I read is the abundance of people taking the drug that claim to have thoughts of suicide while taking the drug with no history of suicidal ideation. Another perplexing thing about what I have read on the adverse effects of this drug is the randomness of those claiming these events. Some rave about the drug saying that it was the best thing that ever happened to them: took Chantix, quit smoking, had no side effects, and couldn't be happier; while others claim bizarre actions and thoughts and even attempts on their own life.

One woman wrote:

My husband and I took Chantix for 13 days. On the 13th day, without any prior history, he tried to take his own life. If you read the PATIENT INFORMATION SHEET included in the medicines package, suicidal ideation and psychotic episodes are listed under rare side effects. I was told by the doctors that any drug that alters the brain chemistry (and this does) can cause extreme side effects in certain cases. So many people say that this is a miracle drug and the it is great, yet when will it be decided that enough people have died or had severe reactions? I have told everyone that I know, that if they are on it or know anyone on it, to tell their doctors if they or their loved ones notice any problems. If you want to see other comments on people that have had bad reactions go to, http://treatmentonline.com/treatment.php?id=710 My listing is on there on June 25 telling our story. Also, he had to undergo evaluation and in his MEDICAL RECORDS, it states that he has no history and displays no suicidal tendencies. The doctors are even wondering if this is what happened with him. I feel for Carter Albrecht's girlfriend and family, if I had not been home, I would would be blaming this drug and the company and public would think I was looking for an excuse, but I know that this is a dangerous drug and it will only be a matter of time before we start to see more stories like mine and theirs.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to our section on Drugs, Medical Devices, and Implants.

September 11, 2007
By Scott Kappes

The recent shooting death of former Paul Simon keyboardist, Carter Albrecht, has raised some issues about the quit smoking aid Chantix. The bizarre circumstance and claims made by the people at the scene intrigued me so I have been looking for other related posts. It turns out that I am not the only person interested in this topic and that there are several claims that make me more suspicious about Chantix.

I just read a post by a Kentucky woman who claims that her brother-in-law, Ned, committed suicide while on Chantix. This in itself is not interesting, but she claims that he had never even hinted at anything resembling suicide before he started taking Chantix. It is even more peculiar that he apparently made plans for upcoming days and talked about future plans the evening before commiting suicide.

The morning of the incident seems odd also. Ned parked his car behind his longtime girlfriend's house, which he had never done before, and then walked up an sat on the deck. Here he wrote two notes, one leaving everything to his father and the other saying that his work was responsible for what he was doing. Ned then proceeded to break into the house, even though he knew where the key was, and put the notes on his girlfriend's bed. Next he placed a gun he had left for her to use for protection into his mouth an pulled the trigger. The woman's 17 year-old son was in the house.

This puzzling tale combined with others that I have read about and the recent shooting in Dallas make it hard for me to believe that Chantix is not somehow involved with these acts. I will be keeping an eye on this and keep posting with updates.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Drugs, Medical Devices, and Implants.

September 10, 2007
By Scott Kappes

Last Monday morning at about four o'clock in the morning keyboardist, Carter Albrecht, was fatally shot and killed by his girlfriend's neighbor after apparently trying to kick in his door. Albrecht had gotten into a confrontation with his girlfriend in which he struck her in the face several times and hit her in the back after she had fallen down. She somehow locked him out of the house at which point he proceeded to break down the neighbor's door leading to the life ending gunshot wound.

Friends of Albrecht claim that this kind of action was completely uncharacteristic of Albrecht, and think that a stop smoking aid he was taking could have been to blame. Band mate, Danny Balis, posted a Myspace bulletin accusing the prescription drug Chantix as being reason for the crazed actions of the deceased. Albrecht and his girlfriend had apparently been taking the drug for a week and Monday was supposed to their quit day, but something went terribly wrong that morning.

Chantix has been reported to be rather successful for many as a stop smoking aid, but others have made claims that the drug made them act psychotic. The dugs warning label carries a plethora of side effects including "psychotic disorder" and "suicidal ideation."

It turns out that there have been many horror stories associated with Chantix, from suicide to homicide. People frequently claim to have very insane dreams and Albrecht and his girlfriend even joked about their "chantix dreams."

Several have posted on online message boards claiming strange thoughts of suicide and others have made attempts with no prior history of suicidal thoughts.

"My husband who has never had ANY mental health problems, tried to take his own life after being on Chantix for 13 days. He has no recollection of the day it happened."

"My brother in law committed suicide Aug 19. He had taken Chantix and went off it in the spring, then we found out he had started retaking it 7 days before his suicide."

While I can't say that these accounts are true or that Chantix had anything to do with Albrecht's death, I do think it is a very odd coincidence to see others with such strange events happening to them to. I hope that this doesn't all get thrown by the wayside and that there is closer look taken at Chantix and its side effects.

For more information on this subject matter, please refer to the section on Drugs, Medical Devices, and Implants.