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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2018 Jan-Mar;50(1):12-18.
doi: 10.1080/02791072.2017.1370746. Epub 2017 Sep 27.

Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness of Varenicline for Treating Co-Occurring Cannabis and Tobacco Use

Tangeria R Adams  1   2 , Julia H Arnsten  3 , Yuming Ning  4 , Shadi Nahvi  5
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Feasibility and Preliminary Effectiveness of Varenicline for Treating Co-Occurring Cannabis and Tobacco Use

Tangeria R Adams et al. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2018 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

Few studies have evaluated treatment for co-occurring cannabis and tobacco use. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of varenicline for co-occurring cannabis and tobacco use. Participants who reported cannabis use on ≥5 days per week were recruited from an urban, outpatient opioid treatment program (OTP). Participants were randomized to either four weeks of standard OTP clinical care (SCC; medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder and individual behavioral counseling), followed by four weeks of SCC plus varenicline (SCC+VT), or to four weeks of SCC+VT followed by four weeks of SCC. All participants contributed feasibility and outcome data during both study phases. Of 193 persons screened, seven were enrolled. Retention at eight weeks was 100%. No adverse effects prompted varenicline discontinuation. Participants reported lower cannabis craving during the SCC+VT phase compared to baseline, and lower frequencies and quantities of cannabis use compared to both baseline and the SCC alone phase. In the SCC+VT phase, participants also reported fewer cigarettes per day. Among persons with co-occurring cannabis and tobacco use, varenicline is well-tolerated and may reduce cannabis craving, cannabis use, and tobacco use.

Keywords: Cannabis; concurrent use; feasibility; tobacco; varenicline.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow chart of participant screening, enrollment and follow up
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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