On May 21, 2008 the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) banned pilots and air traffic controllers from using Chantix, a widely administered anti-smoking drug manufactured by Pfizer, Inc. This decision was based on a study by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, which was reported to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and stated, "We have immediate safety concerns about the use of [Chantix] among persons operating aircraft, trains, buses and other vehicles, or in other settings where a lapse in alertness or motor control could lead to massive, serious injury."
FDA spokeswoman Susan Cruzan said: "We agree that these findings are a signal that requires further investigation and confirmation, and the FDA has been conducting a review of the adverse events associated with Chantix." The FAA had previously approved Chantix last summer, prior to federal safety reports of psychiatric problems and violent behaviors associated with Chantix.
Dr. Anjan Chatterjee, a Pfizer medical director strongly defended Chantix by saying, "Smoking is one of the largest problems we face in the world. When you think about it in that perspective, the risk-benefit analysis is still
substantially toward benefit. Even medications most people consider innocuous have side effects."
Chantix was approved by the Food & Drug Administration in 2006. Federal health regulators are currently investigating Chantix to determine whether it causes suicidal thoughts and violent behavior.
Chantix blocks nicotine receptors so it reduces the cravings for nicotine and decreases the pleasure of tobacco. It is an alternative to other smoking cessation drugs and nicotine replacement therapy.
Doctors have been told by the FDA to monitor behavioral changes caused by Chantix. The Chantix label indicates side effects that include nausea, changes in dreaming, constipation, gas and vomiting. In smaller print,
the actual Chantix package insert mentions the possibility of psychotic and suicidal behavior. Recent events signify that severe side effects may include suicidal thoughts, depression and even violent behavior.
In fact, in September 2007, it is thought that Chantix played a major role in the death of prominent Dallas musician Carter Albrecht, a member of Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians. Albrecht had no history of violence. However, after taking Chantix, he complained of hallucinatory dreams. Shortly after taking Chantix, Albrecht displayed violence toward his girlfriend, who later reported that he was confused and didn't know who she
was. Albrecht had consumed a couple of alcoholic drinks. Later that night, Albrecht was shot by a neighbor for trespassing on his property.
This bizarre occurrence is just one of many that followed. Other Chantix users began complaining of violent behavior or suicidal tendencies, especially after consuming alcohol. The Chantix label does warn against alcohol consumption, but does not mention any severe side effects that can occur when Chantix and alcohol are combined. Additionally, Chantix's reaction with alcohol has not been studied in clinical trials.
If you or a loved one has taken Chantix and experienced the extreme side effects mentioned above, please fill out our Case Review Contact Form to the right on this page to find out what your case is worth.
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