Mood and Anti-craving Effects of Varenicline in Psychiatric Inpatients

Assessment of Response to Open-label Treatment With Varenicline in Psychiatric Inpatients

This study of psychiatric inpatients will assess mood effects of varenicline, as well as assess if varenicline decreased nicotine cravings acutely.

This study will also measure side effects of varenicline when given in addition to other psychiatric and non-psychiatric medications.

This study will measure mood effects and rapid anti-craving effects of varenicline in psychiatric inpatients. Patients will be offered to participate in the trial if they wish to stop smoking or wish to decrease nicotine cravings while in the hospital. They will not be able to use nicotine replacement products when taking varenicline.

Patients will be assessed with the QIDS-SR16, Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale as well as the Frequency, Intensity, and Burden of Side Effects (FISER) at baseline and daily during the trial; patients will be asked to enroll for the duration of their hospitalization. Patients will be assessed as to whether they wish to continue varenicline post-discharge.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Admission to Butler Hospital during study period.
2. Current tobacco users ages 18-65.
3. Able to give written, informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Past adverse reaction to varenicline.
2. Treatment with varenicline on admission to Butler Hospital.
3. Renal failure or dialysis

(3) Current pregnancy or breastfeeding.