Effect of Varenicline vs. Placebo on Reactivity to Tobacco and Alcohol Cues in Smokers who are Light Drinkers

Abstract

Varenicline is used to treat tobacco dependence. While varenicline decreases craving during a quit attempt, no studies have investigated its effect on cue-induced craving. Varenicline has also been shown to decrease alcohol consumption in animal and humans. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effect of varenicline on tobacco and alcohol cue-induced craving and alcohol consumption in dependent smokers/light drinkers. Tobacco and alcohol craving were assessed at baseline and after 2-weeks of drug administration using the QSU and ACQ. Significant decreases in cigarette and alcohol craving were observed between the pre- and post-drug session in the varenicline group on QSU Factor 1(87.5811.66 vs.70.5820.79, p=0.008) and ACQ Total (3.371.16 vs. 2.661.15, p=0.004) scores. This effect remained significant after correction for craving during neutral cues in the alcohol but not tobacco condition. No significant decreases in alcohol consumption were seen. These results suggest varenicline decreases overall craving, but not cue-induced craving specifically.MAS