Chantix, or varenicline, is a medication prescribed to aid in adult smoking cessation that blocks brain receptors from nicotine effects, which then inhibits the release of pleasure-loading dopamine. Specifically, dopamine produces sensations of pleasure and plays a role in addictions. In 2009 Chantix came under scrutiny of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which ruled that Chantix carry a "black box" warning; such warnings provide health alerts about the risk of serious adverse reactions from using a given drug.
Common Side Effects
Prescriptions can vary according to the individual case and the physician's orders, however, since its approved release in 2006, Chantix generally is prescribed for a period of 12 weeks. The most commonly reported side effect during clinical trials was nausea, which occurred in up to 30 percent of the patients who received Chantix. Also, headaches and sleeping problems (both up to 19 percent) with strange dreams (up to 13 percent) were frequently reported. Gastrointestinal symptoms also are commonly reported and may include: excess gas (up to 9 percent) with a bloated feeling, an upset stomach with possible vomiting, heartburn as well as constipation (up to 8 percent). Additionally, drowsiness and lethargy (between 1 to 7 percent) as well as muscle spasms may occur with feelings of weakness (between 1 to 7 percent). These side effects may contribute to reducing one's ability to operate machinery or drive.
Serious Psychological Effects
According to the anti-smoking advocacy website WhyQuit.com, the FDA had gotten 6,363 adverse drug reaction reports by May 2008. These reports included 78 deaths and 3,063 incidents involving serious injuries; specifically, while some deaths were determined to be of cardiac origination, 28 deaths were due to suicide. Consequently, as of July 1, 2009, the FDA requires a black box warning, the strongest warning of its kind, on Chantix. By this time, 98 suicides and 188 suicide attempts associated with Chantix had been reported since 2006. As an FDA press release indicates, the warning stipulates a risk of serious adverse effects that include behavioral and depressed mood changes, hostility and aggression, suicidal thoughts and actions. Many reports involve unusual and vivid dreams or nightmares. Agitation and restlessness, anxiety or panic, hallucinations and paranoid cognitions also may occur. Some people manifest these symptoms when they start taking Chantix, while others experience them after they stop taking Chantix. Additionally, other psychological disorders tend to worsen while taking this drug.
Precautions
In 2008, following reports of traffic accidents due to Chantix use, the Federal Aviation Administration banned pilots and air traffic controllers from taking Chantix. This action was an attempt to avoid potential injuries or deaths due to employees' behaviors attributed to side effects of this medication. Today, Chantix remains on the market with recommended close monitoring of patients' side effects by the prescribing physicians.
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