Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Man Dies in Dallas

There have been several stories about the Dallas man who went into an uncharacteristic violent rage his first week on Chantix. He was threatening a neighbor at their door in a furious anger and the neighbor fired through the door, killing him.

The girlfriend reported that he was out of his mind in a dream-state caused by the Chantix. The man had been drinking alcohol.

This was a terrible tragedy that I do not want to make light of. My personal prayers are with his family and his girlfriend and even the neighbor.

However, to the Chantix issue I would say this. We really don't know how Chantix effects the brain exactly. The scientists who invented Chantix really don't understand it.

There is a lot of anger and rage involved in quitting smoking, but I found there to be less rage with Chantix than I experienced without it.

I've always said the best place to quit smoking is in a cabin the woods by yourself or in a padded room with a straight jacket under adequate supervision.

Every medication has side effects and you should be aware of them and weigh the risks and make an informed decision.

But, to let a rare side effect keep you from quitting smoking doesn't make any rational sense.

The side effects to smoking include:
* Death
* Cancer
* Heart Attacks
* Blood Clots
* Diabetes
* Emphysema
* Bronchitis
* Pneumonia
* Bad teeth
* Bad skin
* Being a bad role model to kids and grand kids
* Stink, stink, stink

For me, it makes sense like this: Phillip Morris is more to blame for that man's death than Pfizer as they are the ones who sell an addictive product that makes you homicidal when you quit.

Taking Chantix is worth the risk, I think. Though I have to add, I am not liable for your decisions to take or not take this medication.

To be informed you can go here and here.

Certainly I will add this: These stories do indicate that it's a bigger risk to drink alcohol while taking Chantix. Many users of Chantix report that the desire to drink is lessened while taking Chantix. Drinking alcohol is directly related to smoking, in that it serves as a trigger.

Though I have to add, I am not liable for your decisions to take or not take this medication.

4 comments:

scott mattasits said...

There is only one drug that is worse than nicotine. Its Chantix. the side effects are a understatement. Had to quit taking chantix after 24 days. I quit smoking and will continue. but cold turkey quitting will be successful for me without being incarcerated..Drs should try this horrible drug before prescribing. There are things worse than nicotine. The blogs on this drug are just starting.

Tracee Sioux, Sioux Ink: Soul Purpose Publishing said...

Well, good luck with your quit. You can keep coming here for support with your quit if you like.

Chantix was exactly what I needed to stop "cheating." I cheated and justified with all other methods.

The side effects were similar to being pregnant and they only last a few months.

I found I had to redefine "horrible." Horrible for me was not nausea or bad dreams. Horrible was being obsessed with smoking and being chained to it and unable to use my "will" to quit. In other words, horrible was the experience of being addicted to something I hated.

I do hope your quit is a success without the Chantix though.

Tracee

Anonymous said...

How much are Pfizer paying you to be so impartial (!) Tracee?

Well done for giving up though.

Tracee Sioux, Sioux Ink: Soul Purpose Publishing said...

Unfortunately, Pfizer is paying me nothing.

However, having failed at quitting for over 6 years made me exceedingly grateful to finally achieve success.

I think loathing of Pfizer is misplaced Anger. We should be Angry - but, Phillip Morris deserves the Anger in my opinion - for purposesly making us addicted to a substance that causes terrible pain, when we were just stupid little kids.