Effects of Varenicline on Cue-reactivity in Individuals with Concurrent Tobacco Dependence and Heavy Alcohol Use: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
BACKGROUND: Alcohol and tobacco misuse and dependence are highly comorbid disorders. Varenicline alleviates symptoms of cigarette craving while preventing nicotine from binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, thereby reducing nicotine’s reinforcing effects. Recent studies have shown that varen...
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| Language: | en_ca |
| Published: |
2010
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| Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/1807/25507 |
| Summary: | BACKGROUND: Alcohol and tobacco misuse and dependence are highly comorbid disorders. Varenicline alleviates symptoms of cigarette craving while preventing nicotine from binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, thereby reducing nicotine’s reinforcing
effects. Recent studies have shown that varenicline decreased alcohol self-administration in animal models and in one human study of heavy-drinking smokers. AIMS: To assess the effect of two-week varenicline (0.5-2mg) vs. placebo administration on cue-induced craving for tobacco and alcohol in smokers with heavy alcohol use (n =
24). METHODS: Subjects participated in two study visits where nicotine and alcohol
craving and withdrawal were assessed with self-report questionnaires under four
conditions (abstinence/one cigarette/neutral cues/tobacco-alcohol cues). RESULTS:
Two-week administration of varenicline reduced tobacco-alcohol cue-induced cigarette
cravings and reduced emotionality aspects of alcohol craving after smoking a cigarette
compared to abstinence in heavy-drinking smokers. CONCLUSION: It is possible that
varenicline may have particular advantages as a smoking cessation aid in heavy drinkers. |
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