Effect of Varenicline on Reactivity to Smoking and Drinking Cues

Summary

Alcohol and nicotine dependence are often co-morbid, with 85% of alcoholics also smoking. However, very little research has been conducted into the nature of this co-occurrence. Thus, the main aim of this study is to assess differences in alcohol and tobacco consumption and cue-induced craving in treatment-seeking smokers after two weeks treatment of varenicline. Hypotheses 1. Two weeks of varenicline treatment will significantly decrease cue-induced tobacco craving compared to placebo (Due to the actions of varenicline on alpha-4-beta-2 receptors and its downstream effect on dopamine release). 2. Varenicline will decrease cue-induced alcohol craving compared to placebo. 3. The impact of Varenicline on cue-induced alcohol craving will be greater in heavy drinkers compared to social drinkers.

Timeline

Start

2008-10

Primary completion

2010-01

Completion

2010-01

Publications

• Background Acheson A, Mahler SV, Chi H, de Wit H. Differential effects of nicotine on alcohol consumption in men and women. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006 May;186(1):54-63. doi: 10.1007/s00213-006-0338-y. Epub 2006 Mar 25.

Drugs

Indications