At a glance
ClinicalIndex Comparison RecordStandardized by ClinicalIndex from the ClinicalTrials.gov record · verify against the source.
Effects of a Tailored Dose of Varenicline on Post-quitting Urges to Smoke
In Brief
A Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating Varenicline and Placebo for Tobacco Dependence and Smoking Cessation. Completed, enrolled 200 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
Varenicline is a partial nicotinic agonist which acts on alpha4 beta2 nicotinic receptors. It is presumed to alleviate withdrawal discomfort, but also to diminish rewarding effects of cigarettes. The standard varenicline dosing has been formulated to avoid adverse reactions (primarily nausea) in sensitive clients. The downside of this cautious approach is that a substantial proportion of clients may be under-dosed. A blanket dose increase would inevitably increase the incidence of side effects, but it is likely that tailoring varenicline dosing to clients' needs would be safe and may further increase varenicline's efficacy. This study will recruit 200 smokers who report little change to their enjoyment of cigarettes and no nausea, during the first week of varenicline use. These smokers will be randomised to receive the standard dose plus placebo or plus individualised varenicline dose up to 5mg, titrated over the next week prior to their target quit day. Urges to smoke, and other withdrawal symptoms, experienced during the study period will be compared between groups to see if the tailored therapy may be useful.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Participants will increase varenicline dose by 0.5 mg twice daily every three days to a maximum of 2.5 mg twice daily. This increased dose will be continued for 3-weeks before being reduced to the standard dose of 1.0 mg twice daily.
Participants will increase placebo dose by 0.5 mg twice daily every three days to a maximum of 2.5 mg twice daily. This increased dose will be continued for 3-weeks before being reduced to the standard varenicline dose of 1.0 mg twice daily.
All participants will receive the standard dose of Varenicline (14 weeks): 0.5 mg once daily for days 1-3, 0.5 mg twice daily for days 4-7, and then a continuation dose of 1.0 mg twice daily. In addition to this participants will use an tailored varenicline/placebo dose up to maximum of 2.5 mg twice daily for 3 weeks.