Varenicline Pharmacology

Varenicline is a partial nicotine agonist that can be used to help patients quit smoking. The two most common adverse effects that I have seen in clinical practice with varenicline are GI upset and insomnia/vivid dreams. GI upset with varenicline can be reduced by giving the drug with food and a full glass of water. A dose reduction may also be considered. Patients should identify a goal stop date for smoking cessation prior to begininng the use of varenicline.