The partial agonist varenicline (Chantix, Pfizer), which is commonly used as a smoking cessation treatment, may also be effective in treating cocaine dependence, new research suggests…On the other hand, another investigator who has conducted research with the medication, Taylor Hays, MD, from the Mayo Clinic, wrote in an accompanying editorial that "the small absolute risk of cardiovascular events associated with varenicline treatment is outweighed by the enormous benefit for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that can be achieved with successful smoking abstinence."
Medscape Today, by Deborah Brauser, 02/01/2012
Tags: Cardiology, Chantix, cocaine dependence, Pfizer, Research, smoking abstinence, Taylor Hays, varenicline