Pfizer, the maker of Chantix has recently updated their side effects information, due reports of incidents of suicidal and psychotic behavior after taking Chantix. They have added the following statement to their safety information.
1. You should be aware that some patients have reported depressed mood, agitation, changes in behavior, suicidal thinking or behavior when attempting to quit smoking while taking CHANTIX. If you experience any of these symptoms, or if your family or caregiver observes these symptoms, please tell your doctor immediately.
2. If you have ever had depression or other mental health problems, tell your doctor before taking CHANTIX. Quitting smoking, with or without CHANTIX, can result in nicotine withdrawal symptoms (such as depressed mood, agitation) or a worsening of underlying psychiatric illness, such as depression.
I am not seeing this information should be ignored, but I know some people that act psychotic because they are being deprived of nicotine. This statement has also been made about several other medications and they are still being used and helping people.
My husband has used Chantix to stop smoking, with very few side effects. He has had some mild nausea during the first 30 minutes after taking the drug. In the forums, the 2 biggest complaints are nausea and vivid dreams. Many people experienced side effects of one type or another, but many were glad they were able to take the drug long enough to stop smoking.
There were some people that did experience such severe side effects that they discontinued the use of Chantix in less than a week. Although, some people say there is a relationship between Chantix and psychotic behavior, but I think it is hard to prove that statement.
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