Chantix-induced mental status changes in a young healthy female

A 24-year-old Caucasian female was voluntarily admitted to an inpatient psyciatric unit after starting varenicline (Chantix). She reported feelings of paranoia, anxiety and suicidal ideation. She had no known history of psychiatric illness and was on no other medications prior to starting varenicline. This was her first attempt at smoking cessation, and she decided to use varenicline at the recommendation of her primary care provider and the South Dakota QuitLine program. We report this case to inform health care providers that the potential for psychiatric effects is possible, even in those individuals who do not have a history of psychiatric illnesses.