Chantix (called Champix in Canada and Europe) is a prescription medication used to help patients stop smoking. Unlike nicotine gum and other replacements for cigarettes, Chantix actually reduces smokers' cravings for nicotine, the physically addictive chemical in cigarettes, and decreases the pleasure patients feel when they smoke. For that reason, it was once widely prescribed for people who had trouble quitting smoking using willpower alone. In fact, the FDA "fast-tracked" the drug's approval in 2006, shortening the standard 10-month review period because of the perceived lack of serious Chantix side effects.

However, the FDA announced in November of 2007 that it was investigating Chantix after receiving multiple reports that it caused serious neuropsychiatric problems in its users. Specifically, Chantix has been linked to abnormal dreams, anxiety, depression, agitation, suicidal thoughts, suicidal behavior or other behavioral changes. The FDA investigated and found the drug was linked to 28 cases of suicide, 51 cases of homicidal thoughts and 227 cases of suicidal thoughts. The FDA's investigation led to orders for stronger warnings on its label in 2008, and Health Canada has issued at least two warnings to consumers, most recently in January of 2009.

In one case, Chantix may even be responsible for a death. According to ABC News, Texas musician Carter Albrecht sometimes became agitated, combative and irrational after he began taking Chantix. He was having such an episode on Sept. 5, 2007, when he began yelling and banging on the door of his neighbor. The neighbor fired a "warning shot" at the door and hit Albrecht, killing him.

Another potentially dangerous Chantix side effect is impairment when driving or operating heavy machinery. Multiple car accidents have been linked to the defective drug. In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration withdrew its approval of Chantix for use by pilots and air traffic controllers May of 2008, citing a study by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. The watchdog group found that, in addition to its psychiatric side effects, Chantix was linked to heart attacks and arrhythmia, seizures and falls. Despite all of this, Chantix remains on the market and has been prescribed to more than six million people around the world.

You can learn more at our firm's drug injury blog.

At Carey, Danis & Lowe, we are actively seeking reports of negative side effects affecting people around the U.S. who have taken Chantix. If you or someone you love has been seriously hurt because of the dangerous side effects of using Chantix, you have the right to sue its manufacturer over all of your losses -- financial, emotional and personal. To discuss your case at a free consultation with our experienced pharmaceutical liability attorneys, please contact us online or call 1-877-678-3400.