Varenicline decreases alcohol consumption in heavy-drinking smokers

• DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2717-x
• Publication Date: 2012-04-30T13:47:40Z
• Authors: Jennifer M. Mitchell; Candice H. Teague; Andrew S. Kayser; Selena E. Bartlett; Howard L. Fields
• Keywords: Varenicline

Emerging evidence suggests that the α4β2 form of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) modulates rewarding effects alcohol. The nAChR subunit partial agonist varenicline (Chantix™), which is approved by Food and Drug Administration for smoking cessation, also decreases ethanol consumption in rodents (Steensland et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 104:12518–12523, 2007) human laboratory open-label studies (Fucito Psychopharmacology (Berl) 215:655–663, 2011; McKee Biol Psychiatry 66:185–190 2009). We present a randomized, double-blind, 16-week study heavy-drinking smokers (n = 64 randomized to treatment) who were seeking treatment their smoking. was designed determine on alcohol craving consumption. Outcome measures included number alcoholic drinks per week, cigarettes amount cumulative consumed during period, abstinent days, weekly percentage positive ethyl glucuronide cotinine screens. Varenicline significantly (χ 2 35.32, p < 0.0001) smokers. Although has previously been associated with suicidality depression, side low this declined over time group. can produce sustained decrease individuals smoke. Further are warranted assess efficacy treatment-seeking abusers do not smoke ascertain relationship between drinking.