Quitting Strategies + Varenicline for Smoking Cessation
Trial Summary
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are using any smoking cessation services or FDA-approved smoking cessation medications.
Research shows that combining varenicline (a medication to help quit smoking) with counseling can significantly improve quit rates. In one study, at least 44% of patients successfully quit smoking after 12 weeks of varenicline treatment, and other studies found that adding counseling to varenicline further increased the chances of quitting.
12345Varenicline, also known as Chantix, has been linked to some safety concerns, including possible neuropsychiatric side effects (mental health-related issues), seizures, and interactions with alcohol. There are also reports of adverse cardiovascular events (heart-related issues) associated with its use. It's important to discuss these risks with a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
678910Varenicline is unique because it works by partially activating the same receptors in the brain that nicotine does, which helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while also making smoking less satisfying. This mechanism is different from other treatments like nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion, and it has been shown to be more effective in helping people quit smoking.
1371112Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults who have been smoking cigarettes and using e-cigarettes for at least 3 months, smoke 5+ cigarettes daily, use e-cigarettes on most days, and are ready to quit both within a month. It's not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those unable to consent, people with severe kidney issues or unstable heart conditions, or users of other tobacco products more than once a week.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 12 weeks of varenicline, weekly individual counseling, and access to cessation resources for either concurrent or sequential cessation of cigarettes and e-cigarettes
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for cigarette and e-cigarette abstinence and health-related biomarkers