Chantix and Zyban may cause bizarre behavior and even suicide attempts. The FDA has issued a black box warning, and the FAA has banned pilots from using Chantix.
Chantix was approved by the FDA in 2006, the FDA, but in July 2009, the FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients that it had required Pfizer, the manufacturer of Chantix, to add a new Black Box Warning and develop a patient Medication Guide highlighting the risk of serious neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients using this product. These symptoms include changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and suicides. Chantix is also associated with seizures and blackouts which can result in serious accidental injuries. Because Chantix did not originally come with stronger warnings, many users may not be aware that the symptoms they are experiencing or have experienced could be caused by this drug. You should get more information if you belive you may have have suffered serious mental health issues while taking this drug, including extreme depression, agitation or suicide.
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On July 1, 2009 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced "that it is requiring manufacturers to put a Boxed Warning on the prescribing information for the smoking cessation drugs Chantix (varenicline) and Zyban (bupropion)
- The warning will highlight the risk of serious mental health events including changes in behavior, depressed mood, hostility, and suicidal thoughts when taking these drugs.
- [H]ealth care professionals who prescribe Chantix and Zyban should monitor their patients for any unusual changes in mood or behavior after starting these drugs. She added that patients should immediately contact their health care professional if they experience such changes...
- The analyses revealed that some who have taken Chantix and Zyban have reported experiencing unusual changes in behavior, become depressed, or had their depression worsen, and had thoughts of suicide or dying...
- Chantix is manufactured by New York-based Pfizer Inc. Zyban is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, Middlesex, United Kingdom."
- See the FDA's Press Release.
On May 23, 2008 The FAA took this swift action to stop pilots and air traffic controllers from using Chantix and Zyban "after a medical safety group, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, released the results of a study this week that found evidence for the occurrence of seizures, loss of consciousness, heart attacks, vision problems, and various psychiatric instabilities in individuals who use Chantix....
- An estimated 6.5 million people worldwide have used Chantix.
- In November 2007, the FDA began to receive reports of psychiatric problems associated with the medication. The FAA’s Federal Air Surgeon Fred Tilton said he was aware of the anecdotal information circulating about Chantix, but chose to rely on hard data as it became available. 'There were indications, but no clear data,' he said. 'We don't just act indiscriminately.'"
- See the FAA's Press Release
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