A recent randomized controlled trial has found that varenicline, a medication commonly used to help people quit smoking, may also be effective in reducing cannabis use among men with cannabis use disorder (CUD). The study was conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina and published in Addiction.
Cannabis use disorder is defined by ongoing cannabis consumption despite significant impairment in daily life, such as neglecting important social or work activities and continuing use despite physical or psychological problems. The rise in CUD has been linked to increased legalization of cannabis in various countries and US states. There are currently no approved medications for treating CUD.
Varenicline is already known for its effectiveness as a smoking cessation aid. In this trial, 174 participants who used cannabis at least three times per week were randomly assigned to receive either varenicline or a placebo over 12 weeks. All participants attended weekly medical management sessions to support adherence to the treatment plan.
Results showed that men who received varenicline reported fewer instances of cannabis use compared to those on placebo. Specifically, the male varenicline group averaged 7.9 sessions per week during the study and 5.7 sessions in the week after, while the placebo group had more than 12 sessions per week. Additionally, men on varenicline used cannabis an average of 3.8 days per week compared to 4.7 days for those on placebo.
For women, there was no significant difference between those taking varenicline and those on placebo regarding frequency of cannabis use. Women in the varenicline group averaged just over 10 sessions per week, while the placebo group averaged 9.2 weekly sessions during the study and dropped to 8.2 afterward. The female varenicline group used cannabis about 4.9 days per week compared with 3.6 days for women on placebo.
The study also noted that women taking varenicline reported higher withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and anxiety than other groups and showed lower adherence to their medication regimen.
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