Varenicline
Varenicline is a selective nicotine-receptor partial agonist used as an aid for smoking cessation, with a high affinity for the alpha 4 beta 2 nicotinic receptor. It is recommended by NICE.
As a partial agonist it both reduces cravings for and decreases the pleasurable effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Two large randomised controlled trials found it to be nearly 80% more effective than bupropion, and more effective than 24 hour nicotine replacement therapy.
Initial courses could last 12 weeks with an additional 12 weeks being offered to people who have successfully stopped smoking by the end of the first 12 weeks.
It has observed to exacerbate underlying psychiatric illness including depression and is associated with suicidal thoughts and therefore patients with a psychiatric history should be monitored closely while taking varenicline.
The FDA issued a safety announcement that varenicline may be associated with a small, increased risk of certain cardiovascular adverse events in patients who have cardiovascular disease.
As a partial agonist it both reduces cravings for and decreases the pleasurable effects of cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Two large randomised controlled trials found it to be nearly 80% more effective than bupropion, and more effective than 24 hour nicotine replacement therapy.
Initial courses could last 12 weeks with an additional 12 weeks being offered to people who have successfully stopped smoking by the end of the first 12 weeks.
It has observed to exacerbate underlying psychiatric illness including depression and is associated with suicidal thoughts and therefore patients with a psychiatric history should be monitored closely while taking varenicline.
The FDA issued a safety announcement that varenicline may be associated with a small, increased risk of certain cardiovascular adverse events in patients who have cardiovascular disease.
