Chantix, alcohol and rage

My husband and I decided to take Chantix to help us stop smoking. After the first month, we both decided to go off the medication. The past six weeks have been awful. My husband is all over the place. He gets very angry, out of nowhere, and if he has consumed alcohol, look out.

We are now at 60 days without smoking. That is terrific, but the strain and anxiety have been difficult. I want my husband back, and I do not want him to feel this way. All I can say is these things did not happen before Chantix.

We have had more than 300 comments about Chantix posted on our website. Although some are very pleased that they were able to stop smoking, others have noted rage or violent behavior associated with drinking alcohol while taking Chantix. Most of these reactions occur while taking the drug, but the Food and Drug Administration has noted that some people experience symptoms after stopping Chantix.

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I’ve heard that blueberries have a beneficial effect on the brain. Can you tell me more?

James Joseph at Tufts University, a neuroscientist and expert on the effects of berries on brain function, has done studies in aging rodents and humans demonstrating cognitive benefits from blueberries.

We see this research as highly credible (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Feb. 13, 2008). Joseph recommends frozen berries as an economical way to get the antioxidant potential of this fruit.

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon is an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition. www.peoplespharmacy.com