The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating claims the new quit smoking drug Chantix, released under the name Champix in Australia, is the cause of suicidal thoughts and related erratic behaviour in some patients.
At least 100 cases of smokers experiencing psychiatric symptoms whilst taking the drug are being investigated in the United States. Patients claim that within days to weeks of starting the twelve week course of treatment, they experienced depressed mood, suicidal thoughts and behavioural changes for the first time in their lives.
A spokesperson for the FDA did say, “Smoking cessation, with or without treatment, is associated with nicotine withdrawal symptoms and has also been associated with the exacerbation of underlying psychiatric illness.” But it is important to note, some of the cases being investigated by the FDA involve smokers who had no prior history of any psychiatric illness before taking Chantix.
Pfizer’s Chief Medical Officer has been quoted as saying “there is no scientific evidence establishing a relationship between Chantix and these reported events.”
However, the makers of Chantix (Champix) were aware there might be a problem with the drug since at least November 2007 and yet, the drug was still released in Australia without warning consumers of these particularly troubling side effects, on 1 January, 2008. The European drugs regulator, the European Medicines Agency called for warnings to be placed on Champix back in December 2007. The agency was concerned about the numbers of reported suicide attempts by smokers who were taking the drug. Despite this, nowhere in the list of side effects released by Pfizer Australia is there any mention of suicidal thoughts or erratic behaviour changes.
I did predict back in mid-December that Champix would go the way of it’s predecessor Zyban, which came under harsh scrutiny in the press several years ago when smokers reported similar psychiatric symptoms after taking the drug.
As I revealed in my post of 17 December 2007, I stopped taking Zyban after the drug kept me awake for three days. Pfizer Australia did include sleeping problems on their list of possible side effects of taking Champix. So for me, the similarities between Zyban and Champix were just too big to ignore and I chose never to try the new drug.
I would urge any smoker thinking about taking Champix should delay the decision until at least the results of the FDA investigation in the US are released. There are much safer alternatives available to the individual who wishes to quit smoking.
Your site looks great! I found your blog via Google while searching for quit smoking medication and your post regarding the smoking drug Champix linked to suicide and violence | Australian Women Online looks very interesting to me. I have seen many other so-called sites and they have been far from good quality.Your site has all the key ingredients to pulling in visitors.
Your site looks great! I found your blog via Google while searching for quit smoking medication and your post regarding the smoking drug Champix linked to suicide and violence | Australian Women Online looks very interesting to me. I have seen many other so-called sites and they have been far from good quality.Your site has all the key ingredients to pulling in visitors.
Hi,
Just came accross this site and wanted to let you know that I used champix last year and I am delighted to say I am still off the cigarettes 10 months later and feel so relieved to be finally free of them after smoking heavily for 20yrs. For me personally I can say that I found the tablets made it an awful lot easier to give them up , I did gain a small bit of weight and now tend to speak my mind rather than say nothing as I used to do, but I find it a small price to pay for something that was ruling my life!!!
Hi,
Just came accross this site and wanted to let you know that I used champix last year and I am delighted to say I am still off the cigarettes 10 months later and feel so relieved to be finally free of them after smoking heavily for 20yrs. For me personally I can say that I found the tablets made it an awful lot easier to give them up , I did gain a small bit of weight and now tend to speak my mind rather than say nothing as I used to do, but I find it a small price to pay for something that was ruling my life!!!
I started Champix on the 1st week of January, i stopped smoking after the first week. I felt great, I was getting healthy and fit, I smelt great, the kids and hubby loved kissing & cuddling me. During the middle of Feburary I started becoming aggressive,irritable and didn’t even want to speak or know my husband or my three children. The problem got worse. I have never felt like my mind was hidden away somewhere I am always in control and the way I treated people in a manner that was just downright rude and abnoxious .I quit taking Champix last Tuesday on my Dr’s advice, I am now taking anti-anxiety pills, can not hold down a conversation, constant trembling and I am also trying to start a TAFE degree and starting to run a business with my husband. I am emotionally hurting the ones I love and do wish I could go to sleep and never wakeup. This should all pass in a few more days and I can’t wait to be me again. As bad as smoking may be for you and those around you, I actually felt better smoking.For those of you it has worked for ‘congratulations’ to a new you. For those thinking about taking it read those side effects and don’t think it will pass see your Dr ASAP no matter how small you think it may be.
Robyn thank you for your post i started taking Champix in October 2012 6 weeks in and i feel as though i am losing my head not mentally stable at all, angry aggresive and been violent on 3 occasions with my partner i also have a young baby that i cannot interact with because of the way i feel which makes me feel like a bad mother and in turn makes me upset and depressed,. I cant focus in conversation and my mind drifts somewhere else i am constantly tired just glad i found your post and i know its not just me
I started Champix on the 1st week of January, i stopped smoking after the first week. I felt great, I was getting healthy and fit, I smelt great, the kids and hubby loved kissing & cuddling me. During the middle of Feburary I started becoming aggressive,irritable and didn’t even want to speak or know my husband or my three children. The problem got worse. I have never felt like my mind was hidden away somewhere I am always in control and the way I treated people in a manner that was just downright rude and abnoxious .I quit taking Champix last Tuesday on my Dr’s advice, I am now taking anti-anxiety pills, can not hold down a conversation, constant trembling and I am also trying to start a TAFE degree and starting to run a business with my husband. I am emotionally hurting the ones I love and do wish I could go to sleep and never wakeup. This should all pass in a few more days and I can’t wait to be me again. As bad as smoking may be for you and those around you, I actually felt better smoking.For those of you it has worked for ‘congratulations’ to a new you. For those thinking about taking it read those side effects and don’t think it will pass see your Dr ASAP no matter how small you think it may be.
Robyn thank you for your post i started taking Champix in October 2012 6 weeks in and i feel as though i am losing my head not mentally stable at all, angry aggresive and been violent on 3 occasions with my partner i also have a young baby that i cannot interact with because of the way i feel which makes me feel like a bad mother and in turn makes me upset and depressed,. I cant focus in conversation and my mind drifts somewhere else i am constantly tired just glad i found your post and i know its not just me
I started taking Champix on Dec 15, 2007. My quit date was January 1, 2008. I’m a Non Smoker now. I’m still taking the pills, when I remember to take them. I’m not going to lye, I did get irritable some times, but it passed. I was a little depressed the first couple of weeks that I stoped smoking, but I really don’t think it was the Champix. It was January a very depressing month to start with. I was able to get over it. I would recommend this pill to anyone that really wants to stop. I really think that there is going to be some kind of side effects when trying to withdrawal from any kind of drug. But see your Doctor if the side effects continue.
I started taking Champix on Dec 15, 2007. My quit date was January 1, 2008. I’m a Non Smoker now. I’m still taking the pills, when I remember to take them. I’m not going to lye, I did get irritable some times, but it passed. I was a little depressed the first couple of weeks that I stoped smoking, but I really don’t think it was the Champix. It was January a very depressing month to start with. I was able to get over it. I would recommend this pill to anyone that really wants to stop. I really think that there is going to be some kind of side effects when trying to withdrawal from any kind of drug. But see your Doctor if the side effects continue.
I started champix March 10, 2008. I did not realize that it would affect me as it did. I have now quit the medication, 28 of April, 2008. I did not recognize myself any longer. I have a history of depression but have not had a serious bout for 10 years. Well I’m just coming out of it a bit now. I feel a relief already and it’s only been a few days. On the weekend I was so agressive and so terribly depressed, I couldn’t believemyself. I definitly think that people should be aware and ready for these possible effects. I believe I would have tried it anyway because of physical health problems, but I am glad to know that the agression and depression will stop. Consumer please beware.
I started champix March 10, 2008. I did not realize that it would affect me as it did. I have now quit the medication, 28 of April, 2008. I did not recognize myself any longer. I have a history of depression but have not had a serious bout for 10 years. Well I’m just coming out of it a bit now. I feel a relief already and it’s only been a few days. On the weekend I was so agressive and so terribly depressed, I couldn’t believemyself. I definitly think that people should be aware and ready for these possible effects. I believe I would have tried it anyway because of physical health problems, but I am glad to know that the agression and depression will stop. Consumer please beware.
I have just taken Champix for 14 days. I gave up smoking on the 10th day of taking the drug. I am really annoyed as both my husband and myself went to two different doctors to obtain the drug.
We were NOT told of the 12 week programme, both doctor’s only gave us 14 days tablets with no knowledge that we are supposed to be still taking them for 12 weeks !
I have just found out by reading a few webpages on the drug Champix. We have no more tablets and have been smoke free and drug free for three days. Both of us have a weird sensation down our face…a sharp pain which resembles a toothache/ earache or similiar. I’m wondering if this is a side affect of NOT taking Champix.
any ideas ?? We are traveling at the moment and unable to ring our doctor’s regarding their LACK of KNOWLEDGE on this drug and its programme.
We found the drug to be excellent and being totally addictive to smokes for years, it ‘s finally a relief to be a non-smoker ……..
I have just taken Champix for 14 days. I gave up smoking on the 10th day of taking the drug. I am really annoyed as both my husband and myself went to two different doctors to obtain the drug.
We were NOT told of the 12 week programme, both doctor’s only gave us 14 days tablets with no knowledge that we are supposed to be still taking them for 12 weeks !
I have just found out by reading a few webpages on the drug Champix. We have no more tablets and have been smoke free and drug free for three days. Both of us have a weird sensation down our face…a sharp pain which resembles a toothache/ earache or similiar. I’m wondering if this is a side affect of NOT taking Champix.
any ideas ?? We are traveling at the moment and unable to ring our doctor’s regarding their LACK of KNOWLEDGE on this drug and its programme.
We found the drug to be excellent and being totally addictive to smokes for years, it ‘s finally a relief to be a non-smoker ……..
I’ve been taking Champix for about 5 weeks and stopped 2 days ago. My doctor warned me about the reports of depression and suicidal thoughts but I had no idea it could come on as quickly or intensely as it did. I have never in my life felt as low as I did last weekend… I have no history of depression or suicidal tendencies, but got to a point (and for no good reason – in hindsight) where I was almost convinced my life just wasn’t worth living. If it wasn’t for the fact that I remembered the Dr’s warning and stopped taking the pills “just in case they had something to do with it” I’d hate to think what might’ve happened. 24hrs after stopping I was back to normal.
The drug company is trying to say that these side effects are actually the ‘normal” smoking withdrawal process but I’ve gone longer without cigarettes in the past and have never experienced anything like this before. I’d urge anyone considering taking these pills to at the very least make sure they have friends or family on the look-out for any signs that something may be wrong!
I’ve been taking Champix for about 5 weeks and stopped 2 days ago. My doctor warned me about the reports of depression and suicidal thoughts but I had no idea it could come on as quickly or intensely as it did. I have never in my life felt as low as I did last weekend… I have no history of depression or suicidal tendencies, but got to a point (and for no good reason – in hindsight) where I was almost convinced my life just wasn’t worth living. If it wasn’t for the fact that I remembered the Dr’s warning and stopped taking the pills “just in case they had something to do with it” I’d hate to think what might’ve happened. 24hrs after stopping I was back to normal.
The drug company is trying to say that these side effects are actually the ‘normal” smoking withdrawal process but I’ve gone longer without cigarettes in the past and have never experienced anything like this before. I’d urge anyone considering taking these pills to at the very least make sure they have friends or family on the look-out for any signs that something may be wrong!
I started to take champix 3 weeks ago my give up date was the 11th july 2008 i did manage to give up for 3 days before i got depressed and shaky and ended up smoking again. I also started suffering really bad nightmares by the second week which are still continuing and getting worse. my doctor told me to stay on them and subsitute with lozenges or patches as well to try to give up again. Not to mention the break out of mouth ulcers since starting this medication. So please do be aware that there can be really bad side effects for some people and if you have any see your doctor immediately and if not happy with there response (like me) seek a second opinion i will be.
I started to take champix 3 weeks ago my give up date was the 11th july 2008 i did manage to give up for 3 days before i got depressed and shaky and ended up smoking again. I also started suffering really bad nightmares by the second week which are still continuing and getting worse. my doctor told me to stay on them and subsitute with lozenges or patches as well to try to give up again. Not to mention the break out of mouth ulcers since starting this medication. So please do be aware that there can be really bad side effects for some people and if you have any see your doctor immediately and if not happy with there response (like me) seek a second opinion i will be.
iam about to start tablets friday reading more info an these tablets iam getting a bit more concerned. but i think i may still give it a go. as i have smoked for 25 years hell of a long time not to try. if i get any of therse side affects i will stop sounds like it does not take long for efectts to stop happening iam still very excited to give it a go this will be my first attempt to stop hope to let you no how i go good luck to all
iam about to start tablets friday reading more info an these tablets iam getting a bit more concerned. but i think i may still give it a go. as i have smoked for 25 years hell of a long time not to try. if i get any of therse side affects i will stop sounds like it does not take long for efectts to stop happening iam still very excited to give it a go this will be my first attempt to stop hope to let you no how i go good luck to all
After two weeks on these tables my wife has lost sleep has mood swings plus other common side effects as other people .She has not been able to work for the last week. There was no instruction papers in the box.
Being a none smoker it makes me wonder
After two weeks on these tables my wife has lost sleep has mood swings plus other common side effects as other people .She has not been able to work for the last week. There was no instruction papers in the box.
Being a none smoker it makes me wonder
I sarted the program 2 weeks ago, the day after getting my script, my quit day was day 8, I was not aware that there was so much concern over Champix until looking it up on the web, I must admit that it has eased the need for a cigarette and i have been smoke free for 9 days now, my biggest worry is the mood swings, left alone i’m fine but the smallest trigger ie:- wife having a moan and I go off my head, my first blowout saw me shoving the wife and could not believe what had come over me, I am worried now that it could turn worse, I have been feeling depressed wondering what my worth is on this planet, I have had no warning from the doctor other than it is totally different to Zyban which I also tried.
I agree with Kelly ensure there is someone looking out for you or go back to the Doctor and mention your concerns, or get a second opinion.
I sarted the program 2 weeks ago, the day after getting my script, my quit day was day 8, I was not aware that there was so much concern over Champix until looking it up on the web, I must admit that it has eased the need for a cigarette and i have been smoke free for 9 days now, my biggest worry is the mood swings, left alone i’m fine but the smallest trigger ie:- wife having a moan and I go off my head, my first blowout saw me shoving the wife and could not believe what had come over me, I am worried now that it could turn worse, I have been feeling depressed wondering what my worth is on this planet, I have had no warning from the doctor other than it is totally different to Zyban which I also tried.
I agree with Kelly ensure there is someone looking out for you or go back to the Doctor and mention your concerns, or get a second opinion.
hey everyone , i started taking champix three days ago on the second day of taking them i didnt feel like wanting to smoke im now on my fourth day and ive still not had a fag and still going strong! ive had a few side effects, i cry over simple little things and feel a little depressed at night and in a morning but soon goes away, i could not of stopped smoking without champix they have really helped me, but the side effects are bad and by the sounds of it will get worse thats why im not going to do the full course of them but just enough to fully take my mind of smoking,
hey everyone , i started taking champix three days ago on the second day of taking them i didnt feel like wanting to smoke im now on my fourth day and ive still not had a fag and still going strong! ive had a few side effects, i cry over simple little things and feel a little depressed at night and in a morning but soon goes away, i could not of stopped smoking without champix they have really helped me, but the side effects are bad and by the sounds of it will get worse thats why im not going to do the full course of them but just enough to fully take my mind of smoking,
I was on Champix for 8 days, it made me aggressive and very depressed. I have never experienced these feelings before and stopped taking the drug two days ago. This morning I woke up feeling a different person, I am very strong in character and cannot believe that something was able to change me so completely. I think this is a very dangerous drug that has not been properly tested!
I was on Champix for 8 days, it made me aggressive and very depressed. I have never experienced these feelings before and stopped taking the drug two days ago. This morning I woke up feeling a different person, I am very strong in character and cannot believe that something was able to change me so completely. I think this is a very dangerous drug that has not been properly tested!
I started Champix three weeks ago and was doing great until last week when I had a weeks holiday and spent the whole week sleeping every afternoon, not wanting to do anything, by Thursday I felt like someone had taken ripped my heart out of my chest and by Saturday I was at the doctors in tears. I suffer from Depression but I am on antidepressants, not having depression in a long time. The Depression this drug bought on led me to smoke on Saturday and every day since, I am absolutely devastated and off work for a few days. My doctor instructed me to not take this drug anymore. I am unable to do anything at home I just want to sleep, Pfizer need to do more testing as far as this is concerned.
I started Champix three weeks ago and was doing great until last week when I had a weeks holiday and spent the whole week sleeping every afternoon, not wanting to do anything, by Thursday I felt like someone had taken ripped my heart out of my chest and by Saturday I was at the doctors in tears. I suffer from Depression but I am on antidepressants, not having depression in a long time. The Depression this drug bought on led me to smoke on Saturday and every day since, I am absolutely devastated and off work for a few days. My doctor instructed me to not take this drug anymore. I am unable to do anything at home I just want to sleep, Pfizer need to do more testing as far as this is concerned.
Being a smoker for 33 years I started on Champix and smoked until 9 days into the program. After stopping smoking i was very chilled out and relaxed with no side effects evident except nausea after taking the tablet. However at day 13 I became agressive when my partner upset me with something she said and I became very verbally abusive. I also verbally abused my stepdaughter which is something i would never had done. I have no recollection of what i said & this was not me. I had suicidal thoughts then and depression has set in. This reaction has cost me my relationship. It was not just a normal nicotine withdrawal as Ive gone longer without cigarettes before and never experienced this. No one told me of these possible side effects and they just snuck up and bit me.
Being a smoker for 33 years I started on Champix and smoked until 9 days into the program. After stopping smoking i was very chilled out and relaxed with no side effects evident except nausea after taking the tablet. However at day 13 I became agressive when my partner upset me with something she said and I became very verbally abusive. I also verbally abused my stepdaughter which is something i would never had done. I have no recollection of what i said & this was not me. I had suicidal thoughts then and depression has set in. This reaction has cost me my relationship. It was not just a normal nicotine withdrawal as Ive gone longer without cigarettes before and never experienced this. No one told me of these possible side effects and they just snuck up and bit me.
I started on Champix 12 weeks ago. I stopped smoking on the 9th day and found it quite easy to stop. I have smoked since I was 14 and I am now 47 and have tried every other way to quit and nothing else worked. I have experienced very bad mood swings and to be honest I still feel very agressive.
I dont know how my family have put up with me over the past 12 weeks, I also went through a couple of weeks where I couldn’t be bothered moving. I was totally not with it. I cut the tablets down to one tablet per day and found this easier to cope and the moods impoved a bit. I have now stopped taking the tablets about 4 days ago and I have felt like a smoke alot today. My Son whom is 23 was going to start taking them and I advised him not to, I would hate to see him go through any of the symptoms. I hope I can now go back to being nice again instead of being so negative and nasty to everyone around me.
I started on Champix 12 weeks ago. I stopped smoking on the 9th day and found it quite easy to stop. I have smoked since I was 14 and I am now 47 and have tried every other way to quit and nothing else worked. I have experienced very bad mood swings and to be honest I still feel very agressive.
I dont know how my family have put up with me over the past 12 weeks, I also went through a couple of weeks where I couldn’t be bothered moving. I was totally not with it. I cut the tablets down to one tablet per day and found this easier to cope and the moods impoved a bit. I have now stopped taking the tablets about 4 days ago and I have felt like a smoke alot today. My Son whom is 23 was going to start taking them and I advised him not to, I would hate to see him go through any of the symptoms. I hope I can now go back to being nice again instead of being so negative and nasty to everyone around me.
I started on Champix in September, it worked wonderfully, after 8 days I was not smoking, after the 14th day I only went onto one tablet a day. I did have to eat when taking it, otherwise the nausea was terrible. I started behaving erratically right from the start, although it was subtle; I would become obsessed with a thought, and couldn’t let it go. I believe this helped to end my relationhsip with my boyfriend. I took Champix for another 3 weeks, in that time I behaved in a way that was completely foreign to me, and committed an illegal act that was completely out of character. I didn’t seem to be depressed although reading my journal at the time it is a little flat. One Sunday morning though I woke very early and just couldn’t think of a reason to live. I rang an ambulance and was hospitalised for 5 days. After 48 hrs off Champix I started to return to normal, and by the end of 5 days I was fine. I would not recommend this drug to anyone. I have never had a history of depression before.
I started on Champix in September, it worked wonderfully, after 8 days I was not smoking, after the 14th day I only went onto one tablet a day. I did have to eat when taking it, otherwise the nausea was terrible. I started behaving erratically right from the start, although it was subtle; I would become obsessed with a thought, and couldn’t let it go. I believe this helped to end my relationhsip with my boyfriend. I took Champix for another 3 weeks, in that time I behaved in a way that was completely foreign to me, and committed an illegal act that was completely out of character. I didn’t seem to be depressed although reading my journal at the time it is a little flat. One Sunday morning though I woke very early and just couldn’t think of a reason to live. I rang an ambulance and was hospitalised for 5 days. After 48 hrs off Champix I started to return to normal, and by the end of 5 days I was fine. I would not recommend this drug to anyone. I have never had a history of depression before.
Wow, if there is studies and experiences of unconsciously doing acts of violence or illegal activity with association to taking the drug, maybe it would be wise not to take it. Even though the results of the drug are positive because all comments pointed to helping with smoking, but what is the result to your attitude. It’s a gamble.
Wow, if there is studies and experiences of unconsciously doing acts of violence or illegal activity with association to taking the drug, maybe it would be wise not to take it. Even though the results of the drug are positive because all comments pointed to helping with smoking, but what is the result to your attitude. It’s a gamble.
Actually guys this is not the first time I’ve heard that: a chap contacted me because his brother-in-law had committed a very serious offence whilst on Champix which was totally out of character and he was now awaiting trial here in the U.K. Of course he is going to have a devil of a time trying to prove that the medication had anything to do with it, even though the expression “totally out of character” is cropping up again and again on Champix blogs.
Also, beware these claims that Champix “works” based on short-term effects only. There are many reports now that the urge to smoke returns later for many smokers, although not all. The actual long-term outcomes will be nothing like the hype, and the horror stories are just piling up. Don’t take my word for it: just Google “Champix suicides” and read the evidence for yourselves. Or visit http://www.truthwillout.co.uk and read the Champix category in the Blog section of the site. All genuine.
Actually guys this is not the first time I’ve heard that: a chap contacted me because his brother-in-law had committed a very serious offence whilst on Champix which was totally out of character and he was now awaiting trial here in the U.K. Of course he is going to have a devil of a time trying to prove that the medication had anything to do with it, even though the expression “totally out of character” is cropping up again and again on Champix blogs.
Also, beware these claims that Champix “works” based on short-term effects only. There are many reports now that the urge to smoke returns later for many smokers, although not all. The actual long-term outcomes will be nothing like the hype, and the horror stories are just piling up. Don’t take my word for it: just Google “Champix suicides” and read the evidence for yourselves. Or visit http://www.truthwillout.co.uk and read the Champix category in the Blog section of the site. All genuine.
Hi, I started Champix , along with 6 other friends, in December, 2007. To date, I am the only one who has not had a cigarette. four are smoking when having a drink or a night out, the other one is smoking twice as many as she did before. So that must make me goody two shoes and top of the class!! NOT SO! I have never felt so down, so depressed, and oh so volotile. AND I still would kill for a cigarette. Does anyone else feel this way or am I totally alone in the universe???
I don’t sleep, I am so angry with everyone and everything, my husband and family have just about had enough, and to be honest, so have I, I just don’t know or recognise the person I have become. Please tell me I’m not alone,
Hi, I started Champix , along with 6 other friends, in December, 2007. To date, I am the only one who has not had a cigarette. four are smoking when having a drink or a night out, the other one is smoking twice as many as she did before. So that must make me goody two shoes and top of the class!! NOT SO! I have never felt so down, so depressed, and oh so volotile. AND I still would kill for a cigarette. Does anyone else feel this way or am I totally alone in the universe???
I don’t sleep, I am so angry with everyone and everything, my husband and family have just about had enough, and to be honest, so have I, I just don’t know or recognise the person I have become. Please tell me I’m not alone,
I placed a comment here on 5th October 2008. Since that time my life has had some dramatic twists and turns, I deteriarated over time into a severe clinical depression which led to suicidal ideation and an attempt at self harm on the 27th of November 2008 which ended up with me being carted off to hospital. I now have help and am recovering, looking at what is available to see on the net I am one of the lucky ones! I have tried to talk to Pfizer who have stalled me and ignored my demise, they are more interested in my medical history than the effect their drug had on me.
This is an incidious drug that has had a 100% success rate in some people quitting smoking, unfortunately those people are not around any more to tell us how they feel about finally quitting the habit!
I think the point here is that this drug whilst it works for some people is extremely dangerous for others, the fault here lies in the information that Pfizer give to the perscribing Doctors and further test to indentify fully the ‘at risk groups’!
The TGA issued a warning this week on 1st December 2008 on Champix and linked ot to severe adverse reactions, in a statement issued by Pfizer this week the underlying meaning was that ‘the end justifies the means’. When you consider the implications that that has it is morally reprehensible!
I placed a comment here on 5th October 2008. Since that time my life has had some dramatic twists and turns, I deteriarated over time into a severe clinical depression which led to suicidal ideation and an attempt at self harm on the 27th of November 2008 which ended up with me being carted off to hospital. I now have help and am recovering, looking at what is available to see on the net I am one of the lucky ones! I have tried to talk to Pfizer who have stalled me and ignored my demise, they are more interested in my medical history than the effect their drug had on me.
This is an incidious drug that has had a 100% success rate in some people quitting smoking, unfortunately those people are not around any more to tell us how they feel about finally quitting the habit!
I think the point here is that this drug whilst it works for some people is extremely dangerous for others, the fault here lies in the information that Pfizer give to the perscribing Doctors and further test to indentify fully the ‘at risk groups’!
The TGA issued a warning this week on 1st December 2008 on Champix and linked ot to severe adverse reactions, in a statement issued by Pfizer this week the underlying meaning was that ‘the end justifies the means’. When you consider the implications that that has it is morally reprehensible!
I just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone up there on previous posts. I set a date with my doctor to start this medication in 10 days time, frankly after reading all the blogs, I’ve decided the risk is just too high for me to take. I have battled depression and anxiety/panic attacks in the past – it took me four years to get over it! I cant believe I was about to take a medication that would undoubtedly throw me back into it after 6 years of depression free life again. So glad that you all had the courage to write about your own experience so others can be informed! Incidentally, my doctor was totally unaware of these negative side effect reports!
I just wanted to say a big thanks to everyone up there on previous posts. I set a date with my doctor to start this medication in 10 days time, frankly after reading all the blogs, I’ve decided the risk is just too high for me to take. I have battled depression and anxiety/panic attacks in the past – it took me four years to get over it! I cant believe I was about to take a medication that would undoubtedly throw me back into it after 6 years of depression free life again. So glad that you all had the courage to write about your own experience so others can be informed! Incidentally, my doctor was totally unaware of these negative side effect reports!
This is my third post on this string. In the last week I have had a phone call from Dr. Lopert (Director of the TGA). I have believe that Champix/Chantix works for some and to those I say good luck! What I want to see is a more informed public as to the side effects that this drug can have, My Doctor had no idea of what side effects were being experienced by other users of the drug, he can only rely on what he is instructed by the TGA and reps of the drug sponsor, he has apologised to me that I was persribed the drug. There appears to be no failsafe in it’s perscription even though a verification is required! Why in that verification is the Doctor not told that he must outline the risks to the patient? This whole thing is a ‘cash cow’ for the drug industry, there are stipulations in the license of thios drug that are not being adhered to, in other words Pfizer has failed in it’s duty of care and is criminally liable to prosecution. Not a day goes by without me thinking of what might have been (refer previous comment) and I am determined to see that Pfizer are held accountable! If anyone out there is interested in a class action please contact me timwilkinson@willprotect.com.au
I have done an enormous amount of research into this drug and Pfizer and find that they are not interested in the side effects and put them down as nicotine withdrawal, I have never heard of anybody blowing theri brains out because they ran out of smokes! If you want to know how many people affected in the US go to http://www.fdable.com/aers/advanced_query/1cceb8ed0037
This is my third post on this string. In the last week I have had a phone call from Dr. Lopert (Director of the TGA). I have believe that Champix/Chantix works for some and to those I say good luck! What I want to see is a more informed public as to the side effects that this drug can have, My Doctor had no idea of what side effects were being experienced by other users of the drug, he can only rely on what he is instructed by the TGA and reps of the drug sponsor, he has apologised to me that I was persribed the drug. There appears to be no failsafe in it’s perscription even though a verification is required! Why in that verification is the Doctor not told that he must outline the risks to the patient? This whole thing is a ‘cash cow’ for the drug industry, there are stipulations in the license of thios drug that are not being adhered to, in other words Pfizer has failed in it’s duty of care and is criminally liable to prosecution. Not a day goes by without me thinking of what might have been (refer previous comment) and I am determined to see that Pfizer are held accountable! If anyone out there is interested in a class action please contact me timwilkinson@willprotect.com.au
I have done an enormous amount of research into this drug and Pfizer and find that they are not interested in the side effects and put them down as nicotine withdrawal, I have never heard of anybody blowing theri brains out because they ran out of smokes! If you want to know how many people affected in the US go to http://www.fdable.com/aers/advanced_query/1cceb8ed0037
Hi Guys, from what I experienced today, my advice to anyone thinking of taking this drug champix, PLEASE DON’T!!!
If you decide to take champix anyway then make sure you have family and friends to watch out for changes in your behaviour.
I’m normally a very relaxed and cool type of guy and anyway Today was day 9 taking the champix tablets and for the past few days I felt a little bit angry and agitated even though I’m still smoking so I knew it wasn’t withdrawl symptoms I was feeling but Today day on day 9 of the medication, I had the first tablet for the day this morning and within half an hour I was freaking out with anger, it came out of no where, a feeling of hatred and anger towards anything and everything, the anger was so intense
Hi Guys, from what I experienced today, my advice to anyone thinking of taking this drug champix, PLEASE DON’T!!!
If you decide to take champix anyway then make sure you have family and friends to watch out for changes in your behaviour.
I’m normally a very relaxed and cool type of guy and anyway Today was day 9 taking the champix tablets and for the past few days I felt a little bit angry and agitated even though I’m still smoking so I knew it wasn’t withdrawl symptoms I was feeling but Today day on day 9 of the medication, I had the first tablet for the day this morning and within half an hour I was freaking out with anger, it came out of no where, a feeling of hatred and anger towards anything and everything, the anger was so intense