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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Comparing the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke in a Novel In Vivo Exposure System

Comparing the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke in a Novel In Vivo Exposure System

Published on: May 24, 2017

Varenicline for smoking cessation.

Serena Tonstad¹

¹Ullevål University Hospital, Department of Preventive Cardiology N-0407 Oslo, Norway. serena.tonstad@uus.no

Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics

|February 9, 2007

Summary

Varenicline, a non-nicotine medication, effectively aids smoking cessation and reduces relapse. Clinical trials show it is well-tolerated and more effective than bupropion for quitting nicotine addiction.

Area of Science:

Pharmacology
Addiction Medicine
Clinical Trials

Background:

Varenicline is a selective alpha(4)beta(2) nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist.
It is the first non-nicotine medication specifically designed to treat nicotine addiction.

Purpose of the Study:

To review available information on varenicline.
To discuss the clinical use of varenicline for smoking cessation.

Main Methods:

Review of published clinical trials.
Comparison of varenicline efficacy and safety against bupropion.

Main Results:

Four trials demonstrated varenicline's efficacy and safety for smoking cessation in adults.
Extended varenicline use reduced smoking relapse.

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Varenicline showed greater efficacy than bupropion in head-to-head trials.

The drug is well-tolerated with no contraindications except hypersensitivity.

Conclusions:

Varenicline is an effective and safe medication for smoking cessation.
It offers a non-nicotine treatment option for nicotine addiction.
Clinical data supports its use in aiding quit attempts and preventing relapse.