Chantix problems were not fully reviewed before drug was approved
Before a new drug is sold, the manufacturer is supposed to establish that it is safe and effective through a series of clinical trials. However, in the case of the stop-smoking medication Chantix, problems which have recently linked the drug to reports of suicides and suicidal thoughts, were not fully researched by Pfizer before they introduced the drug. As a result, many smokers were not warned about the serious and potentially fatal Chantix side effects.
>>INFORMATION: Chantix Problems and Suicide
During clinical trials performed before the approval of Chantix, individuals with a psychiatric history or current psychiatric symptoms were not included in the studies. As a result, Chantix problems were not evaluated among people with common conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. However, many people with depression or other forms of psychiatric illness are smokers, and a large portion of the prescriptions for Chantix were made to people with these problems.
Depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychiatric symptoms are quite common among chronic smokers to whom the drug was aggressively marketed. In addition, there is a strong association between smoking and increased rates of depression and other psychiatric problems, yet the Chantix manufacturers chose not to evaluate the side effects their drug has on these people.
The glaring omission is particularly troubling since depression has been linked with increased addiction to nicotine and difficulty quitting smoking. Those who want to stop smoking and can do so easily, often do not require medical interventions to help them. Those who have repeated failed attempts at quitting are more likely to be vulnerable to the effects of nicotine and often have higher levels of depression.
Chantix works by targeting nicotine receptor sites in the brain, which should have given clear indication that the medication may have an effect on mood and behavior. Nicotine receptor sites are linked with the release of neurotransmitter dopamine, which is associated with a variety of psychiatric illnesses and treatments. The connection between dopamine and medical illness has been well established, and Pfizer should have understood the importance of including patients with depression problems in their clinical trials.
CHANTIX LAWSUITS FOR SUICIDE PROBLEMS
The lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. represent individuals who are pursuing a Chantix lawsuit as a result of serious or fatal self-inflicted injuries which were caused by the medication. Chantix problems have been associated with an increased risk of suicides and erratic behavior. To determine if you, a friend or family member may be entitled to compensation, request a Chantix lawsuit evaluation.
