Reduced affective symptoms during tobacco dependence treatment with varenicline.

BACKGROUND

The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist varenicline has been shown to be effective in the treatment of tobacco dependence, but has been reported to induce exacerbations of psychiatric symptoms in subjects with pre-existing psychiatric disorders.

CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a tobacco-dependent patient who developed depression and suicidal tendencies during several cessation attempts, but was finally able to stay nicotine-abstinent by taking varenicline.

CONCLUSION

In this case varenicline did not lead to exacerbation but appeared to improve the affective symptoms.