Abstract
Every year about 1.2 million deaths attributable to smoking occur in Europe. Effective smoking cessation, therefore, is essential. Varenicline is the first medication specifically developed for smoking cessation. The efficacy of varenicline in smoking cessation is due to its role as a partial agonist/antagonist at the alpha4beta2 nicotine receptors. This dual action causes a reduction in cigarette craving as well as withdrawal symptoms; moreover, it decreases the pleasurable and reinforcing effects of smoking. This article discusses the current clinical data regarding efficacy and safety of varenicline and its role in smoking cessation.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Aged
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Benzazepines / administration & dosage
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Benzazepines / pharmacology
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Benzazepines / therapeutic use*
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Bupropion / administration & dosage
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Bupropion / therapeutic use
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Clinical Trials as Topic
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Contraindications
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Double-Blind Method
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Placebos
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Pregnancy
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Prospective Studies
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Quinoxalines / administration & dosage
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Quinoxalines / pharmacology
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Quinoxalines / therapeutic use*
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Receptors, Nicotinic / drug effects
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Smoking / economics
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Smoking / epidemiology*
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Smoking / mortality
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Smoking Cessation / methods
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Time Factors
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Tobacco Use Cessation / methods*
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Tobacco Use Disorder / drug therapy*
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Varenicline
Substances
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Benzazepines
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Placebos
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Quinoxalines
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Receptors, Nicotinic
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Bupropion
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Varenicline