The Journal of cardiovascular nursing
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Smoking cessation efficacy and safety of varenicline, an alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor partial agonist.
Varenicline, an alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor partial agonist, has the potential to relieve nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms while reducing the reinforcing effects of nicotine. Phase 3 studies have evaluated the effects of varenicline on inducing smoking cessation and maintaining smoking abstinence. ⋯ The results of these studies demonstrate a new order of efficacy in medical therapy for smoking cessation. Varenicline proved to be more effective than bupropion in inducing cessation. Furthermore, varenicline prevented relapse in smokers who had progressed toward cessation by quitting for at least 1 week.