Reduced affective symptoms during tobacco dependence treatment with varenicline

Addiction. 2009 May;104(5):859-61. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2009.02537.x.

Abstract

Background: The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist varenicline has been shown to be effective in the treatment of tobacco dependence, but has been reported to induce exacerbations of psychiatric symptoms in subjects with pre-existing psychiatric disorders.

Case description: We report a tobacco-dependent patient who developed depression and suicidal tendencies during several cessation attempts, but was finally able to stay nicotine-abstinent by taking varenicline.

Conclusion: In this case varenicline did not lead to exacerbation but appeared to improve the affective symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Affective Symptoms / therapy*
  • Benzazepines / administration & dosage*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nicotinic Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Quinoxalines / administration & dosage*
  • Receptors, Nicotinic / therapeutic use*
  • Smoking Cessation / methods
  • Smoking Cessation / psychology*
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / psychology
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Varenicline

Substances

  • Benzazepines
  • Nicotinic Agonists
  • Quinoxalines
  • Receptors, Nicotinic
  • Varenicline