The objective of this study was to provide information about a new drug to help people quit smoking. Varenicline acts on the central nervous system and binds to the alpha4beta2 nicotine receptor, reducing the sensation of pleasure caused by smoking. Its mechanism of action is unique, different from any other psychotropic. Studies have shown that, when compared with bupropion and placebo, varenicline is more effective in maintaining smoking abstinence and for longer periods of time. Case 1: A 51-year-old male patient who has been smoking for more than 30 years. He has never been more than a few weeks without smoking. He used the recommended dose of varenicline and, although he could have stopped after 12 weeks, preferred to follow the treatment for 24 weeks. He has been abstinent for 8 months. Case 2: 48-year-old female who has been tobacco dependent for 30 years. She quit during the pregnancy of her daughter 21 years ago, but started again 6 months later. She used varenicline for 12 weeks associated with cognitive-behavioral therapy. She has been abstinent for 7 months. Currently available treatments still have limited effectiveness in assuring high abstinence rates over the first year. Therefore, our approach includes several strategies, such as administration of first-line drugs, besides measures and projects that not only help patients quit smoking, but also remain abstinent. Anti-smoking treatments require large investments from the government. Otherwise, new drugs, such as varenicline, will only benefit a few segments of the population.
Varenicline; treatment; tobacco; cigarette