Effects of velmanase alfa: A Synthesis of Findings from 12 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Varenicline is a medication that helps people quit smoking. 1 It is a partial agonist of the α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, which means it partially activates the receptor, reducing nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms while also decreasing the reinforcing effects of nicotine. 4 Studies have shown that varenicline can reduce tonic craving, cue-provoked craving, and the perceived reward from smoking. 4 It has been found to be effective in treating tobacco dependence. 4 However, some studies have indicated that varenicline may have side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems. 5 These side effects can potentially lead to discontinuation of the medication. 8 Varenicline has also been investigated for its potential to reduce cigarette consumption in smokers who are not yet ready to quit. 11 There is evidence suggesting that varenicline may improve attention and inhibitory control in smokers. 6 Research has also explored the effects of varenicline on alcohol consumption in individuals with alcohol use disorders. 9 Studies have evaluated the impact of varenicline on cortisol levels in healthy non-smokers. 7 Additionally, the efficacy of different doses of varenicline has been examined, with a study comparing 0.5 mg and 1 mg doses finding no significant difference in smoking cessation effectiveness. 10 The potential for varenicline abuse has also been assessed. 2 Research has explored the potential for combining varenicline with nicotine patches or extending treatment duration to enhance smoking cessation effectiveness. 12

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Varenicline has shown potential as a treatment for nicotine dependence. 1 , 4 , 8 Studies suggest that it can reduce nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms, making quitting easier. 1 , 4 , 11 It may also help reduce the reinforcing effects of nicotine, making it easier to maintain abstinence. 4 Additionally, research suggests that varenicline may improve attention and inhibitory control in smokers. 6

Risk Summary

Varenicline can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, and insomnia. 5 Some individuals have reported experiencing mood changes or depression while taking varenicline. 7 The potential for varenicline abuse has also been a concern. 2 It's crucial to be aware of these risks and discuss them with a healthcare professional before starting varenicline.

Comparison Across Studies

Commonalities

Many studies suggest that varenicline is an effective aid in smoking cessation. 1 , 4 , 8 , 10 Most studies have demonstrated that varenicline effectively reduces nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms. 1 , 4 , 11

Differences

There are variations in research conditions, such as the dosage of varenicline, the duration of treatment, and the characteristics of the study participants. 10 , 9 , 11 Additionally, studies may report varying rates and severities of side effects. 8 These differences should be considered when interpreting research findings.

Consistency and Contradictions in Findings

Research on the effectiveness of varenicline in smoking cessation is generally consistent, with numerous studies supporting its efficacy. 1 , 4 , 8 , 10 However, findings regarding the incidence and severity of side effects can vary across studies. 8 These variations may be attributed to differences in research conditions and participant characteristics.

Practical Implications and Considerations

While varenicline holds promise as a smoking cessation treatment, it is crucial to understand the potential risks associated with its use and to consult with a healthcare professional. 8 Varenicline may not be effective for everyone, and the most appropriate treatment approach will vary based on individual circumstances.

Limitations of Current Research

Further research is required to fully understand the long-term effects and safety of varenicline. 8 Additional studies are also necessary to gain a deeper understanding of varenicline's mechanisms of action.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on better understanding the long-term effects and safety of varenicline, as well as its mechanisms of action. 8 It is particularly important to investigate ways to reduce the risk of side effects and to identify factors that predict who will respond well to varenicline.

Conclusion

Varenicline is a promising treatment for smoking cessation, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to discuss these risks with a healthcare professional. 8 To increase the chances of success, varenicline should be combined with behavioral therapy and counseling. 1 This research suggests that varenicline may be helpful for smoking cessation, but it is essential to recognize that more research is needed.

Literature analysis of 12 papers
Positive Content
10
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
2
Article Type
10
2
0
1
12
1.

Smoking cessation efficacy and safety of varenicline, an alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor partial agonist.

Author: TonstadSerena

Nicotine craving relief
Smoking cessation
Nicotine withdrawal

Varenicline, an alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor partial agonist, has shown promising results in Phase 3 studies for inducing smoking cessation and maintaining smoking abstinence. It has the potential to relieve nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms while reducing the reinforcing effects of nicotine.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

2.

Human abuse liability of the smoking cessation drug varenicline in smokers and nonsmokers.

Author: McCollS L, BursteinA H, ReevesK R, BillingC B, StolarM, SellersE M

Smoking cessation
Abuse potential

Varenicline, a medication to help people stop smoking, is unlikely to be abused. This was demonstrated in a study where smokers and nonsmokers were given varenicline or a placebo. Varenicline did not produce the same pleasurable effects as amphetamine, a known drug of abuse. Additionally, varenicline was associated with some unpleasant effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

Varenicline attenuates some of the subjective and physiological effects of intravenous nicotine in humans.

Author: SofuogluMehmet, HermanAryeh I, MooneyMarc, WatersAndrew J

Smoking cessation

This study characterized the effects of varenicline, a partial nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist used for smoking cessation, on nicotine's dose-dependent effects in abstinent smokers.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.Research funding provided by US government agencies other than the Public Health Service.

Language : English

4.

Varenicline effects on craving, cue reactivity, and smoking reward.

Author: BrandonThomas H, DrobesDavid J, UnrodMarina, HeckmanBryan W, OliverJason A, RoetzheimRichard C, KarverSloan Beth, SmallBrent J

Reduced reward from smoking
Reduced tobacco cravings
None mentioned

Varenicline reduced tonic craving, cue-provoked craving, the expected value of cigarettes, number of puffs and time spent smoking, and self-reported reward from smoking compared to placebo.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

Gastrointestinal adverse effects of varenicline at maintenance dose: a meta-analysis.

Author: LeungLawrence K, PatafioFrancis M, RosserWalter W

gastrointestinal adverse effects

Varenicline is a medication that helps people quit smoking. It can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

6.

The effects of varenicline on attention and inhibitory control among treatment-seeking smokers.

Author: RhodesJessica D, HawkLarry W, AshareRebecca L, SchlienzNicolas J, MahoneyMartin C

Smoking cessation

Varenicline improved lapses in attention among treatment-seeking smokers preparing to make a quit attempt, suggesting that attention may play a role in its mechanism of action for smoking cessation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

7.

Effects of short-term varenicline administration on cortisol in healthy, non-smoking adults: a randomized, double-blind, study.

Author: MockingRoel J T, WeverStephany A, PflanzC Patrick, PringleAbbie, ParsonsElizabeth, McTavishSarah F, CowenPhil J, HarmerCatherine J, ScheneAart H

Effective smoking cessation
Depressogenic side effects

Varenicline is a highly effective drug for smoking cessation, but it has been linked to depression in some users. It remains unclear whether this is due to varenicline itself, or to smoking and/or smoking cessation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

8.

Adverse Effects Cause Varenicline Discontinuation: A Meta-Analysis.

Author: DrovandiAaron D, ChenCarla C, GlassBeverley D

Smoking cessation
Discontinuation

Varenicline is a smoking cessation drug that is effective in providing prolonged smoking abstinence. However, its adverse effect profile may cause discontinuation, potentially reducing smoking abstinence rates.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.

Language : English

9.

Effect of Lowering the Dose of Varenicline on Alcohol Self-administration in Drinkers With Alcohol Use Disorders.

Author: VerplaetseTerril L, PittmanBrian P, ShiJulia M, TetraultJeanette M, CoppolaSabrina, McKeeSherry A

Alcohol consumption reduction
Insomnia

This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the effect of varenicline (1 and 2 mg/day) on alcohol consumption in adults with alcohol use disorders. The 2 mg/day dose reduced alcohol craving but did not significantly reduce alcohol consumption. The 1 mg/day dose had no significant effect on craving or consumption.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

10.

Effect of 0.5 mg versus 1 mg varenicline for smoking cessation: a randomized controlled trial.

Author: Fouz-RosónNatalia, Montemayor-RubioTeodoro, Almadana-PachecoVirginia, Montserrat-GarcíaSoledad, Gómez-BasteroAna Paulina, Romero-MuñozConcepción, Polo-PadilloJuan

Side effects

This open-label randomized trial compared the effectiveness of 1 mg and 0.5 mg varenicline in smoking cessation. The study found that both doses were equally effective in achieving abstinence at 1 year, with similar rates of adherence and side effects. This suggests that a lower dose of varenicline may be just as effective as a higher dose for smoking cessation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

11.

Varenicline for smoking reduction in smokers not yet ready to quit: A double-blind, proof-of-concept randomized clinical trial.

Author: SteinbergMarc L, LuShou-En, WilliamsJill M

Quitting self-efficacy
Smoking reduction

Varenicline is a promising treatment option for smokers who are willing to reduce but not quit smoking. While varenicline did not lead to a significant reduction in cigarettes per day compared to placebo, it did increase the number of smokers who made a quit attempt. Successful reduction in cigarettes per day was associated with increased self-efficacy for quitting.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

12.

Effects of Combined Varenicline With Nicotine Patch and of Extended Treatment Duration on Smoking Cessation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Author: BakerTimothy B, PiperMegan E, SmithStevens S, BoltDaniel M, SteinJames H, FioreMichael C

Insomnia
Nausea

This randomized clinical trial found no significant difference in smoking cessation rates at 52 weeks between varenicline monotherapy and combined varenicline plus nicotine patch therapy, or between 12-week and 24-week treatment durations.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

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