Concerns Raised Over Smoking Cessation Drug's Side Effects

(September 20, 2007) -- DALLAS (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A popular musician is dead, and those who loved him most say a drug to help him stop smoking is responsible.

His name was Carter Albrecht, a well-known name on the Dallas music scene.

He was about to branch out into a solo career and wanted to stop smoking, afraid it would ruin his voice.

He and his girlfriend Ryann took Chantix to quit together. She says they immediately began having horrible dreams, which is a possible side-effect.

After a night of drinking Albrecht began hallucinating and attacked her.

"And the things that he was saying did not make any sense. It was like he was in a nightmare," said Ryann.

It was a nightmare that ended with a 911 call from a terrified female neighbor.

"He was yelling. I didn't know what he was yelling, but I told him to get out of my yard," said the neighbor during the 911 call.

Seconds later that woman's husband was heard saying he shot someone at the front door. It turned out to be Carter Albrecht.

Months before this death, bloggers were posting concerns about Chantix. There were reports of suicide and episodes of depression.

Large-print pharmacy handouts warn of nausea, changes in dreaming, constipation, gas and vomiting with the use of Chantix.

Only in the extreme fine print of the original box insert is there mention of rare psychotic and suicidal behavior.

For ethical reasons researchers say doctors can't study why the drug mixed with alcohol might mess with the brain like that.

So doctors are urging patients to take Chantix with caution and avoid alcohol when you do.

Chantix is manufactured by Pfizer and was approved last year by the FDA.

Source: Newschannel 3

Last updated: 09/07

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