After a recent post about smoking, I was amazed at the number of comments we received about Chantix. Not being a smoker, I'd never heard of it, but many readers responded recommending it. Apparently, the new drug -- which works by binding to nicotine-receptors in the brain -- is helping even the most hardcore smokers to finally give up their smoking habit. But one strange side effect is getting some press as well.

Some people who take Chantix have reported strange dreams. In fact, according to a People magazine article, up to 13% of participants in trials complained of changes in dreaming, compared to 5% in the placebo group. But a few Chantix users are coming forward saying that what they're experiencing is far more severe than just bad dreams. Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians drummer, Carter Albrecht, died last month after going into an uncharacteristic rage and being shot by a frightened neighbor. His girlfriend and family members are convinced that Chantix played a role in the drastic change in his behavior, and say he had just double his dosed (as prescribed) the day he died.

Because drug trials are relatively small compared to the thousands of people now taking the drugs, health experts say that new side effects may be discovered as the drug becomes more popular. Quitting that cigarette habit is hard to do, and many people need the kind of help Chantix provides, but as with any new treatment, proceed with caution and make sure you're educated about any new drug you start taking.

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