Varenicline with naltrexone curbs smoking and drinking

Abstract

Varenicline, marketed as Chantix, is known to help reduce smoking, but it may be effective in reducing alcohol consumption, a recent study has found. The study involved 165 people who received varenicline, for smoking, and naltrexone, which is used to treat alcoholism. The participants in the study smoked at least five cigarettes a day and consumed more than 14 drinks a week (men) and more than seven drinks a week (women). Over the course of the 12‐week study period, each participant received 2 milligrams of varenicline twice a day. Half the group also received a 50‐milligram dose of naltrexone daily, while the other 82 received placebo pills. All participants were told to quit smoking and drink less.