Chantix May Be Next Treatment for Cocaine Addiction

Chantix (varenicline) may be a suitable treatment for cocaine dependence. Investigators at the University of Pennsylvania's Treatment Research Center reported in the February issue of Drug and Alcohol Dependence the results of a nine-week double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial of varenicline in 37 cocaine dependent participants. Compared to placebo-treated participants, those who received varenicline had significantly decreased rates of cocaine reward, as measured by the Multiple Choice Procedure. "Varenicline appears to decrease cocaine use and reward, suggesting that further investigation of varenicline may be warranted," said the researchers.

Other recent studies suggest the smoking cessation drug may reduce some symptoms of schizophrenia. Read more about it in Psychiatric News by clicking here.

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