Varenicline for Smoking Cessation in Heavy Drinking Smokers

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether extended pretreatment with varenicline (Chantix) is more efficacious for smoking cessation than standard pretreatment, how well varenicline is tolerated in heavy drinking smokers, and whether varenicline reduces alcohol consumption.

Clinical Trial Description

Smoking rates are elevated among drinkers compared to non-drinkers (Marks et al., 1997). Moreover, there is some evidence that both smokers who drink alcohol are less successful quitting smoking (Leeman, Huffman, & O'Malley, 2007). Thus, identifying interventions that are effective in reducing both smoking and heavy drinking in this population is warranted. Varenicline, a medication recently approved by the FDA, results in smoking cessation rates as high as 50%, significantly better than bupropion or placebo. There is preliminary experimental evidence from both animal and human laboratory research that varenicline reduces alcohol seeking and consumption (McKee, 2008; Steensland et al., 2007). The typical dose schedule for varenicline involves a 1 week pretreatment phase prior to quitting smoking (Gonzales et al., 2006; Jorenby et al., 2006; Nides et al., 2006). However, greater quit rates have been observed 1 month after using varenicline compared to 1 week. Therefore, it is possible that extended pretreatment with varenicline may also yield better cessation outcomes than the standard 1 week lead in period. This may be particularly true if pretreatment also reduces alcohol consumption prior to the quit attempt. Thirty regular smokers who drink alcohol heavily will receive open-label varenicline for 5 weeks according to the recommended titration schedule up to 1mg varenicline twice daily. Prior to the smoking quit date, subjects will be randomized to receive either extended pretreatment with varenicline (titration up to 1mg) for 4 weeks or short-term varenicline pretreatment (3 weeks placebo followed by 1 week of varenicline). The primary aims of the study are to examine: (a) the efficacy of extended varenicline pretreatment for smoking cessation, (b) the safety and tolerability of varenicline in heavy drinking smokers, and (c) the efficacy of varenicline for reducing alcohol consumption in human participants. Effect size estimates for prolonged smoking abstinence and heavy drinking will be generated for a NIH grant application. ;

Study Design

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

Clinical Trial Details

NCT number	NCT00860028
Study type	Interventional
Source	Yale University
Contact
Status	Completed
Phase	Phase 2
Start date	October 2008
Completion date	May 2010

View Details

See also
Status	Clinical Trial	Phase
Completed	`NCT03999411` - Smartphone Intervention for Smoking Cessation and Improving Adherence to Treatment Among HIV Patients	Phase 4
Completed	`NCT03931772` - Online Automated Self-Hypnosis Program	N/A
Completed	`NCT02649556` - A 26-week Extension of the ZRHR-ERS-09-US Study Evaluating Biological and Functional Changes in Healthy Smokers After Switching to THS 2.2	N/A
Completed	`NCT03901066` - Smoking Dependence and Periodontitis
Recruiting	`NCT05846841` - Personalized Tobacco Treatment in Primary Care (MOTIVATE)	N/A
Completed	`NCT03170752` - Implementing and Testing a Cardiovascular Assessment Screening Program (CASP)	N/A
Completed	`NCT03305978` - Pulmonary Nodule Detection: Comparison of an Ultra Low Dose vs Standard Scan.	N/A
Completed	`NCT00000437` - Tobacco Dependence in Alcoholism Treatment (Nicotine Patch/Naltrexone)	Phase 4
Completed	`NCT06105424` - BRP1602: Evaluation of Technical and Logistical Feasibility to Measure Lung Permeability	N/A
Active, not recruiting	`NCT02752022` - Monitoring the Transition From Smoking to E-cigarettes
Completed	`NCT04340830` - The Effect of Smoking on Dimensional Changes of Free Gingival Graft Around Dental Implants	N/A
Completed	`NCT02901171` - The Contribution of a Smartphone Application to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Group Treatment for Smoking Cessation	N/A
Completed	`NCT02912000` - TEACH: Technology Evaluation to Address Child Health	N/A
Completed	`NCT03206619` - A Health Recommeder System to Tailor Message Preferences in a Smoking Cessation Programme
Completed	`NCT02949648` - Electronic Cigarette Use and Quitting in Youth	N/A
Completed	`NCT02246114` - Self-Monitoring of Carbon Monoxide to Enhance Reproductive Outcomes in Women	N/A
Completed	`NCT02945371` - Tailored Inhibitory Control Training to Reverse EA-linked Deficits in Mid-life	N/A
Completed	`NCT01898507` - Nicotine Metabolism and Low Nicotine Cigarettes	N/A
Completed	`NCT03448900` - Intervention Study for Smoking Cessation in Spanish College Students	N/A
Completed	`NCT01954407` - Young Adults' Responses to Anti-smoking Messages	N/A

Clinical trials are conducted in a series of steps, called phases - each phase is designed to answer a separate research question.

Phase 1: Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
Phase 2: The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
Phase 3: The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
Phase 4: Studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug's effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.