Stop-Smoking Drug Chantix Triggers Violence

Most Americans find it hard to believe that a medication could change someone’s personality. The idea that a person could actually harm another human as a result of a drug side effect seems preposterous. And yet there is ample evidence that the anti-smoking drug Chantix triggers violence. This reader shares a scary Chantix story.

“Out of Character” on Chantix:

Q. I took Chantix for about three months. I was excited that it almost completely diminished any nicotine cravings. I told all my friends how easy it was to quit and how happy I was. I had smoked and chewed tobacco for 25 years and tried many different quitting methods.

After a while, though, I started noticing reckless behavior: driving extremely fast, drinking too much and not being safe at work. (Electricians need to be safe.)

One night I got into a street fight because a guy flipped me off. I haven’t been in a fight in over 20 years. I couldn’t stop hitting him even after he gave up. Everything was totally out of character for me.

These reactions ended shortly after I stopped Chantix. I caution anyone thinking about this medication to be aware of personality changes.

A. The Chantix TV commercial states clearly:

“Stop Chantix and get help right away if you have changes in behavior or thinking, aggression, hostility, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts or actions, seizures, new or worse heart or blood vessel problems, sleep walking or life-threatening allergic and skin reactions. Decrease alcohol use. Use caution driving or operating machinery.”

We have heard from other readers that varenicline (Chantix) can trigger uncharacteristic violent thoughts or actions. The FDA has also received reports of traffic accidents or other accidental injuries linked to this stop-smoking drug.

Stories from Readers | How Chantix Triggers Violence

Cindi shared a harrowing tale about how Chantix triggers violence:

“My husband and I have been married for 36 years. We both started Chantix together. After two weeks I was able to stop smoking. He got down to a couple of smokes a day. That didn’t deter us. We really wanted to quit.

“We went to get our second package of Chantix. The young woman at the pharmacy asked how it was working for us. We both said how happy we were, and that it seemed to be working well. The side effects were seemingly minor.

“On day 35, we got into an argument about something neither of us can now remember. We were drinking alcohol as well. It got BAD! Really Bad! He literally threw me down the hallway, several times. When I tried to get up he either kicked me, or picked me up and threw me again. That was while I was screaming, ‘Please don’t hurt me!’

“My body was covered in bruises. I had a concussion. The bump on my head was as big as my entire hand.

“I would never have thought in a million years that my husband would do that to me. He was arrested and charged with domestic violence. He was also suspended from work.

“My daughter sent me a link to your website and an article about how Chantix triggers violence. I hope my marriage is salvageable. I just don’t know.”

Joe also had problems with violence:

“I became dangerously crazy the other night while taking Chantix. This is the second time that has happened while on Chantix. I may be an intense person normally, but never violent. This behavior scares me and has cost me unbelievably. Has it ruined my life? In ways I can’t even begin to describe.”

Ann believes Chantix has had long-lasting effects:

“I was able to stop smoking after taking Chantix. That was some time ago, but I think it affected my brain permanently. I have experienced anger, rage and depression for years. Antidepressants do not help. I blame Chantix.”

T. reports that her stepdaughter experienced serious Chantix side effects:

“After starting on Chantix, my stepdaughter became angry and irrational. Her personality changed. She was going to get married but her behavior is so out of character that it may be called off.”

E.T. shared this story:

“I quit smoking cold turkey for five years. I made the tragic mistake of thinking I could smoke once in awhile without getting hooked.

“As soon as I bought that first pack of cigarettes I knew I was hooked again. It took three years to quit a second time. Chantix got me over the hump. Now I am struggling with intense violent thoughts. I am easily provoked. I am very worried that someone is going to get hurt because of my violent thoughts.”

People’s Pharmacy Perspective re: Chantix Triggers Violence:

We have received hundreds of messages about Chantix. Many people are pleased that this medication was able to help them quit smoking. Others report side effects including:

• Depression, suicidal thoughts
• Digestive upset, nausea, gas, indigestion, constipation
• Sleep disturbances, nightmares, insomnia
• Headache

Are You Fed Up With “Slow Turkey” Chantix Drug Commercials?

Perhaps one of the most intense advertising campaigns this year has been the “Slow Turkey” commercials for Chantix. You see a turkey doing human-like things in unusual locations. The visual experience is so odd that it cannot help but capture your attention, especially when the time comes to listen to the announcer list a bunch of side effects.

Here is an article on prescription drug advertising with links to 

“Paddle Board Turkey”

“Camping Turkey”

“Cold Turkey”

Share your own experience with Chantix in the comment section below.