Girlfriend Believes Chantix Contributed to Texas Musician's Death

Could Chantix have contributed to Albrecht's bizarre death?

Months earlier people had started posting concerns about Chantix online. There were reports of suicide. "I thought I was losing my mind," wrote one poster. Another described a "super depressed meltdown."

"I remember saying that nothing is worth doing, nothing matters and I wish I was dead," said a Chantix user who wished to remain anonymous.

That man says those dark feelings came out of the blue for him, too, after having a few drinks one night with his wife.

There are 3 million Americans taking Chantix now, and according to Pfizer, the maker of the drug, there have been no other reports of violence related to Chantix.

"We are very committed to patient safety," Ponni Subbiah, a Pfizer representative, told ABC News. "We continually monitor adverse events. To date there is no evidence to suggest that Chantix is associated with violent behavior. And I think it's important to keep in perspective that alcohol use in itself is associated with violent behavior."

Worth the Risk?

The pharmacy handout for Chantix warns of nausea, changes in dreaming and constipation. While there were isolated reports of psychotic and suicidal behavior associated with the drug during clinical trials, it occurred both in participants taking the drug and the placebo.

Richard Honaker prescribes Chantix to patients and while he urges caution with the drug, he believes the possible risks may still be worth the benefit.

"More patients by far are able to quit smoking with this drug than anything else we have," Honaker said.

A 28-year-old stayed on Chantix, but quit drinking. And now, he said, "I've actually been much better."

Rathbone, meanwhile, has gone public with her suspicions.

"I'm completely in shock. I'm devastated and sad. I lost my soul mate. Where do you go from there?" she said.

But now, she said, "I definitely want people to learn from his death."

Pfizer said it is investigating the case and is committed to the safety of the product.

If you experience serious side effects while taking any medication, report them to your doctor and the drug manufacturer.