Efficacy of varenicline to prompt quit attempts in smokers not currently trying to quit: A randomized placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: Nicotine replacement therapy to aid smoking reduction increases the probability of a future quit attempt among smokers not currently planning to quit smoking. We tested whether varenicline, a partial nicotine agonist, would also increase future quit attempts. Methods: This randomized, placebo-controlled trial recruited 218 smokers who were interested in quitting but had no plans to quit in the next month. Participants used varenicline (2 mg/day) or placebo for 2-8 weeks plus received brief counseling on methods to reduce cigarettes/day. The primary measure was the incidence of a quit attempt within 6 months of study entry. Secondary measures were point prevalence abstinence, motivation to stop smoking, and reduction in cigarettes/day. Results: Varenicline increased the incidence of a quit attempt more than placebo at the Nebraska site (73% vs. 41%; p