Smokers with schizophrenia or bipolar disorders are three times more likely to abstain from smoking over the course of a year if they take varenicline.
Although varenicline is an FDA-approved smoking cessation medication, it had not been proven effective for smokers with severe mental illness. The results of this study suggest that it is feasible to prescribe varenicline to these patients, which could lessen the health burdens caused by smoking in this population.
For a copy of the study abstract (published online January 8), go to: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1812963. For facts on drug abuse in patients with have mental illness, go to www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/comorbidity-addiction-other-mental-disorders.
For more information, contact the NIDA press office at media@nida.nih.gov or 301-443-6245.
