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Effect of varenicline and bupropion SR on craving, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and rewarding effects of smoking during a quit attempt

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Abstract

Aims

To examine the effect of varenicline, a selective alpha4-beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) partial agonist, on craving and withdrawal symptoms in smokers making a quit attempt and the rewarding effects of smoking during a lapse after the target quit date (TQD).

Materials and methods

Pooled data were analysed from two identical double-blind, randomised trials comparing varenicline 1 mg BID, bupropion (sustained release) 150 mg BID and placebo using measures of craving and withdrawal in the first week after the TQD (in abstinent [n = 612] and non-abstinent participants [n = 1,155]) and of the rewarding effects of the first cigarette smoked in non-abstinent participants.

Results

In abstinent and non-abstinent participants combined, varenicline reduced craving more than bupropion (p < 0.01) and placebo (p < .001); the effect did not differ by whether or not subjects were abstinent; bupropion reduced craving more than placebo (p < 0.001). Among abstinent participants, both varenicline and bupropion reduced negative affect more than those receiving placebo (p < 0.005). Neither active drug reduced restlessness, insomnia or appetite vs placebo. Varenicline reduced ratings of satisfaction and psychological reward after the first cigarette smoked after the TQD vs bupropion (p < 0.005) and placebo (p < 0.001); bupropion also reduced these more than placebo (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Varenicline significantly reduces craving and the rewarding effects of smoking after the TQD to a greater extent than bupropion, which may contribute to varenicline’s greater efficacy for smoking cessation. Varenicline’s lack of effect in reducing insomnia, restlessness and increased appetite in this analysis suggests that receptors other than the alpha4-beta2 nAChR subtype may be implicated in these withdrawal symptoms.

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Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank all the investigators of the Varenicline Phase 3 Study Group. Both clinical trials were funded by Pfizer (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT00141206 and NCT00143364). Editorial support was provided by Abegale Templar, Ph.D. at Envision Pharma and funded by Pfizer.

Disclosures Dr West undertakes research and consultancy for and has received hospitality and travel funds from manufacturers of smoking cessation medications including Pfizer, GSK and Novartis. He also has a share in a patent for a novel nicotine delivery device.

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Correspondence to Robert West.

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West, R., Baker, C.L., Cappelleri, J.C. et al. Effect of varenicline and bupropion SR on craving, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and rewarding effects of smoking during a quit attempt. Psychopharmacology 197, 371–377 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-007-1041-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-007-1041-3

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