Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Comparing the Effects of Electronic Cigarette Vapor and Cigarette Smoke in a Novel In Vivo Exposure System
Published on: May 24, 2017
Varenicline (CHANTIX): a stop-smoking pill
Abstract:
Varenicline (Chantix; Pfizer Labs, New York, NY) is a new kind of stop-smoking pill. The drug decreases both the craving for nicotine and the withdrawal symptoms from stopping the use of nicotine. The drug works by binding to nicotine receptors, or "targets" for nicotine, in the brain. Once bound to the nicotine receptors, it acts like a weak form of nicotine, while preventing real nicotine from binding to these receptors. Varenicline greatly weakens nicotine's chemical reactions in the brain that cause pleasure, and which in turn, reinforce the habit. Otolaryngology patients who are advised to take varenicline can benefit from the information in this educational tool.
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