Jump to full article: Milwaukee (WI) Journal-Sentinel, 2008-04-18
Author: ELLEN GABLER
Intro: Chantix, known generically as varenicline, works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain. When people smoke, nicotine attaches to receptors and the brain releases the chemical dopamine, which gives pleasure. Chantix activates the receptors and blocks nicotine from attaching to them.
The drug now includes a mention of possible serious neuropsychiatric symptoms in a warning section of the printed information that accompanies each prescription and is folded inside the packaging. Previously, the information was in a less prominent place in a section of the drug's literature in which "adverse events" were reported. But there is no requirement to put the warning on the actual package because the FDA hasn't mandated it.
None of this is comforting to Melinda Peterson, who believes that Chantix cost her family too much.
In the psychiatric ward, Kenny Peterson was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He's out of the hospital now but can't work, and his doctors said they wouldn't know when he would be able to work.
"He is completely mentally ill right now," Melinda Peterson said. "My belief is that the drug caused him to go into a manic episode. He has paranoia. He has delusions."
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