Effect of Varenicline on Cognitive Function in Cigarette Smokers With Schizophrenia

Summary

Smokers with schizophrenia have more difficulties quitting smoking than smokers without a mental disorder. Varenicline (Champix) is a new stop smoking medication with a unique mechanism of action. It is a nicotine-like drug which is not addictive and not associated with the health risks of tobacco smoking. Varenicline (VAR) binds to sites in the brain called nicotine receptors that play an important role in nicotine dependence. People with schizophrenia have difficulties in concentrating and remembering. Scientists believe that people with schizophrenia use smoking to remedy their cognitive problems. We will test VAR to see if it improves cognitive problems in smokers with schizophrenia in comparison to non-mentally ill smokers to determine whether people with schizophrenia get direct benefit from this nicotine-like drug. It is hypothesized that VAR (in comparison to a placebo) will reduce aspects of cognitive impairment in smokers and nonsmokers with schizophrenia.

Timeline

Start

2010-03

Primary completion

2016-08

Completion

2016-08

Publications

• Johnstone S, Sorkhou M, Rabin RA, George TP. Dose-dependent effects of Varenicline on tobacco craving and withdrawal in tobacco smokers with and without schizophrenia. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2022 May 1;234:109412. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109412. Epub 2022 Mar 28.

Drugs

Indications