Chantix and the Damage Done
October 27th, 2009. By janem
I’ve interviewed many people who’ve taken Chantix to help quit smoking. They talk about the damage it caused, not only to themselves, but their family and friends. All their stories are upsetting but just now I talked with Tim and his account is heart-wrenching.
Tim’s wife died from cancer a few months ago, but his grief is compounded by the fact that he was never able to apologize to her. “Soon after I took Chantix I was so short-tempered; I would get mad at my wife, Judy, for any little thing,” says Tim, his voice breaking. “Now that Judy is dead, I can’t say sorry for being so mean.”
“Judy and I were long-distance truck drivers, we were a team,” Tim explains. “When I got on the Chantix, we argued constantly on the truck. I just thought it was from nicotine withdrawal, but even our friends asked Judy what was wrong with me. Before Chantix, I was happy-go-lucky…
Judy could just move a pop can and I would get irate. And I was mad at myself because I was making her so upset but I had no idea why. Sometimes I’d be driving and forget where I was. I’m talking about driving a semi. It was dangerous. It got so bad that I thought of wrecking the truck more than once, then we would both die. I just kept hurting her…
I saw an ad on TV a few weeks ago that explained how Chantix causes mood swings, suicidal thoughts and aggression. I didn’t read the Chantix warning label because my doctor said, ‘Just go ahead and try Chantix; it’s a new drug and pretty much reliable’. I guess that’s the problem with new drugs-you don’t know the side effects until it’s too late.
If I knew of the Chantix side effects, or if my doctor explained them to me, I wouldn’t have tried it. And I won’t be beating myself up now. And I’m smoking again. I’m really irate at the drug company and I’m so upset just thinking about it, knowing how much I hurt my wife.”
October 29th, 2009 at 9:33 am
I have very simular side effects from chantix. It has been over 2 years. I wonder how long this will last or is it permanant.
October 29th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Hi Ronnie, Thanks for your comment. Chantix side effects are not something to let linger. If it’s been over 2 years, I’d be scheduling an appointment with my doctor to find out what’s going on. Two years is a long time. You may also find it beneficial to have your situation reviewed by a lawyer who specializes in Chantix cases. Should you wish to do so, you can do that right on our site, here. More news and information about Chantix is also available on our site here. And, I’d encourage you to share your concerns with a doctor. Let us know how you make out.