Clinical Psychopharmacology Update: Additional Safety Concerns for Using Varenicline (Chantix) for Smoking Cessation Treatment

Smoking cessation remains a positive therapeutic goal and should be encouraged for the millions of individuals who continue to smoke and struggle to quit. While psychiatric nurses should encourage patients to start or continue smoking cessation therapies, they must be aware of the additional safety concerns relating to the use of varenicline (Chantix). Research published subsequent to the last clinical update in this journal (Tobin, 2007) has prompted additional warnings from the Food and Drug Administration concerning varenicline for smoking cessation therapy. In particular, clinicians need to be aware of increased concerns about varenicline's association with neuropsychiatric side effects, seizures, and alcohol interactions.