Chantix Side Effects Could Win You $500 at ZUG.com Comedy Site

ZUG.com, the world's longest-running comedy site, announced a new contest targeted to users of the smoking cessation drug Chantix. The funniest firsthand account of side effects while taking the drug Chantix will win a cash prize of $500.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) November 11, 2008 -- ZUG.com, the world's longest-running comedy site, announced a new contest targeted to users of the smoking cessation drug Chantix. The funniest firsthand account of side effects while taking the drug Chantix will win a cash prize of $500.00:

http://www.zug.com/scrawl/chantix/index05.html

Manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Chantix (varenicline) is a prescription medication used to treat smoking addiction. The smoking cessation drug has recently come under fire for a host of reported side effects, including disturbing thoughts, bizarre dreams, and impulsive behavior.

"We looked at all those side effects and we thought: pure comedy," said ZUG.com editor-in-chief Sir John Hargrave. "In the bizarre dreams category alone, there's just incredible humor potential for our site."

ZUG.com is soliciting humorous firsthand accounts of users who have tried to stop smoking using Chantix. Users need to write up their real-life firsthand experiences, then submit them to the award-winning comedy site, where ZUG's audience of comedy judges will rate them for humor value. The funniest-rated account of Chantix side effects submitted by November 30, 2008 will receive a cash prize of $500.

Chantix is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist, which means it both reduces cravings for tobacco as well as decreases the pleasurable effects of nicotine. Through these mechanisms it can assist some patients in stopping smoking. Chantix (marketed as Champix in Europe) was widely considered Pfizer's next breakthrough drug until a round of bad press earlier this year.

In November 2007, the FDA announced it had received reports that patients using Chantix to stop smoking had experienced serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts, erratic behavior, and drowsiness.

"Anyone who's ever tried to quit smoking knows that suicidal thoughts are pretty much part of the package," laughs ZUG writer James Park. "That's like suing a diet company because they made you want to eat." Park's comedy article "The Chantix Chronicles," which recounted his violent behavior toward the family housecat while on the drug, served as the inspiration for the contest: http://www.zug.com/scrawl/chantix/

Perhaps spurred on by the negative media reports surrounding the FDA announcement, Chantix received more reports of adverse reactions in the first quarter of 2008 than any other branded drug, according to a new report by The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), a non-profit group that analyzes and compiles every report submitted to FDA.

Still, Hargrave sees nothing but comedy potential in the Chantix controversy. "ZUG.com is the new face of Internet comedy," says Hargrave. "We're out to find the funniest people in the world, then reward them with cash, prizes, and Internet fame. And let's face it, you're probably more likely to win our contest than a lawsuit against Pfizer."

About ZUG.com:
ZUG.com, the world's oldest comedy community, has been serving up hilarious viral marketing content since 1995. The site's first book, PRANK THE MONKEY: THE ZUG BOOK OF PRANKS was published in 2007 and immediately became an Amazon.com bestseller. ZUG.com works with clients to provide comedy viral marketing stunts online.

This contest is not affiliated with or endorsed by Chantix or Pfizer, Inc.

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