My husband took Chantix and became depressed irritable very anxious and hostile. Before that he was very mild and had more patience than anyone I knew. I can't believe this new person has continued for two years now. I would not recommend Chantix for anyone. The change has affected our marriage.
Windy Wellsof VA12:51PM November 29, 2011
Chantix cause me major anxiety, depression, horrid nightmares, and only after the fact did I learn it was the Chantix that had ruined my life. NOW I find out the rushing nightmare drive to the emergency room a few months later with massive chest pain was from Chantix as well! I want to know how long, how permanent, the impact to the heart is, and someone's behind should be kicked to the next solar system and this drug taken OFF the market.
Jimmieof TX9:16AM July 06, 2011
Wow! I'm a 44 yo female with no history of heart disease in my family. I took Chantix to quite smoking 2 years ago. I've been smoke free ever since. On 4/16/11 I had a heart attack. This not only makes me wonder, it concerns me.
Shelley W.of WA10:25AM June 17, 2011
Smoking increases Heart risk. So does this drug. This drug is temporary if used properly over 60 days. Let's not overreact people.
Jacob of CA4:21PM June 16, 2011
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THURSDAY, June 16 (HealthDay News) -- The quit-smoking drug Chantix may lead to a small but increased risk of heart problems in people with cardiovascular disease, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday.
In a study of 700 smokers with cardiovascular disease who were undergoing treatment with Chantix or a placebo, researchers saw a small but "statistically significant" greater risk of chest pain, non-fatal heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems in patients taking the quit-smoking drug, the FDA said.
Details of the new findings will be shared with doctors and will be included in the drug's medication guide to patients, the agency said.
In July 2009, the FDA mandated that Chantix (varenicline tartrate) and a second smoking-cessation drug, Zyban, carry a "black-box" warning about the potential risks of psychiatric problems, including depression and suicidal thoughts.
In its announcement Thursday, the FDA noted that smoking is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, the number one killer of Americans. So doctors and their patients should weigh the "known benefits of Chantix against its potential risks when deciding to use the drug in smokers with cardiovascular disease," the agency said in a statement on its website.
Patients taking Chantix, which received FDA approval in 2006, should contact their health-care professional if they experience new or worsening symptoms of cardiovascular disease.
The FDA said it will continue to evaluate the risks and benefits associated with Chantix and is requiring the manufacturer -- Pfizer Inc. -- to conduct an analysis of all previous randomized, placebo-controlled trials of the drug. The agency said it will release those findings to the public when they become available.
In a statement, Pfizer pointed out that smoking is a key risk factor for heart disease, and quitting the habit brings heart benefits that are "immediate and substantial," the Wall Street Journal reported. Pfizer agreed that patients should talk to their doctors to "determine what medications are right for them."
More information
For more on how to quit smoking, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Windy Wells of VA 12:51PM November 29, 2011
Jimmie of TX 9:16AM July 06, 2011
Shelley W. of WA 10:25AM June 17, 2011
Jacob of CA 4:21PM June 16, 2011
Robert of AZ 3:45PM June 16, 2011