Please select the eligibility criteria that correspond to the clinical trial below.
Title: Effects of a Tailored Dose of Varenicline on Post-quitting Urges to Smoke
Brief Summary: Varenicline is a partial nicotinic agonist which acts on alpha4 beta2 nicotinic receptors. It is presumed to alleviate withdrawal discomfort, but also to diminish rewarding effects of cigarettes. The standard varenicline dosing has been formulated to avoid adverse reactions (primarily nausea) in sensitive clients. The downside of this cautious approach is that a substantial proportion of clients may be under-dosed. A blanket dose increase would inevitably increase the incidence of side effects, but it is likely that tailoring varenicline dosing to clients' needs would be safe and may further increase varenicline's efficacy.

This study will recruit 200 smokers who report little change to their enjoyment of cigarettes and no nausea, during the first week of varenicline use. These smokers will be randomised to receive the standard dose plus placebo or plus individualised varenicline dose up to 5mg, titrated over the next week prior to their target quit day. Urges to smoke, and other withdrawal symptoms, experienced during the study period will be compared between groups to see if the tailored therapy may be useful.


Options:
A: Inclusion Criteria:

Age: 18-75 years old

• Smoking 5 or more cigarettes, Little cigars and/or cigarillos per day, on average, within the 2 months preceding the screening visit and expired CO ≥ 6ppm (if ≤ 5, then NicAlert Strip \>2).

* Interested in treatment that might change smoking behavior
* Able to follow verbal and written instructions in English and complete all aspects of the study
* Provide informed consent and agree to all assessments and study procedures
* Have an address and telephone number where they may be reached
* Be the only participant in their household

Exclusion Criteria:

Standard criteria for transdermal nicotine and varenicline smoking cessation trials will be used.

Exclusion criteria will include the following:

* Within the month immediately preceding the screening visit, use of any form of tobacco products other than cigarettes, little cigars and/or cigarillos on 3 or more days within a week if the individual refuses to refrain from such tobacco use during the course of the study.
* Current enrollment or plans to enroll in another smoking cessation program in the next 12 months
* Plan to use other nicotine substitutes (i.e., OTC or prescription medication for smoking cessation) or smoking cessation treatments in the next 12 months
* Uncontrolled hypertension (SBP greater than 180 or DBP greater than 110)
* Reports diagnosis of seizure disorder or a history of neurological illness or closed head injury that in the opinion of the PI feels that it would affect the results of the EEG
* History of severe kidney disease (e.g. chronic or acute kidney failure) with creatinine clearance below 30 and/or severe liver disease with liver tests over 4 times the upper normal level.
* Laboratory evaluations (kidney and liver) outside normal limits and of potential clinical significance in the opinion of the investigator
* Serious or unstable disease within the past 3 months
* History (last 3 months) of abnormal heart rhythms, cardiovascular disease (stroke, angina, heart attack) may result in ineligibility. These conditions will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the Study Physician.
* Current use of certain medications: (1) Smoking cessation meds (last 7 days), i.e., Wellbutrin, Bupropion, Zyban, NRT, Chantix, (2) Certain medications to treat depression (last 14 days), i.e.

MAOIs and Elavil (Amitriptyline), (3) A case by case determination will be made by study physician for medication on precautionary list, i.e. nitroglycerin, or (4) Daily use of opioids for 30 days or more on phone screen or at screening is exclusionary however PRN use is allowed (i.e., 3:7 days per week or less or if more frequent, use less than a month's duration.) --Meet criteria for the following psychiatric and/or substance use disorders as assessed by the MINI: items C (current manic or hypomanic episode only), I (alcohol abuse - Alcohol Addendum-past 6 months only; current alcohol dependence), J (substance abuse - Substance Abuse Addendum - past 6 months only; current substance dependence), K (current/lifetime psychotic disorder or current/lifetime mood disorder with psychotic features).

* Individuals who meet criteria for non-exclusionary psychiatric disorders that are considered clinically unstable and/or unsuitable to participate as determined by the Principal Investigator and/or Study Physician.

  * Individuals rated as moderate (9-16) to high (17 or greater) on suicidality as assessed by Module B of the MINI. --Psychiatric hospitalization within 1 year of screening date. --A positive urine pregnancy test during the screening period. Women who are two years postmenopausal, or who have had a tubal ligation or a partial or full hysterectomy will not be subject to a urine pregnancy test. --Pregnant, breast-feeding or of childbearing potential and is not protected by a medically acceptable, effective method of birth control while enrolled in the study. Medically acceptable contraceptives include: (1) approved hormonal contraceptives (such as birth control pills, patches, implants or injections), (2) barrier methods (such as a condom or diaphragm) used with a spermicide, or (3) an intrauterine device (IUD). Contraceptive measures sold for emergency use after unprotected sex are not acceptable methods for routine use. --History of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Varenicline, NRT, or any component of these formulations . --Any medical or psychiatric condition, illness, disorder, or concomitant medication that could compromise participant safety or treatment, as determined by the Principal Investigator and/or Study Physician.

    * Subject considered by the investigator as unsuitable candidate for receipt of an investigational drug, or unstable to be followed up throughout the entire duration of the study.
    * Positive toxicology screen for any of the following drugs: cocaine, opiates, methadone, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, amphetamines, methamphetamines, PCP, or THC.

      * A. Participants with valid prescriptions for opiates, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, amphetamines or methadone will not be excluded. B. Participants failing the toxicology screen will be allowed to re-screen once. If they test positive again, they will not be allowed to return.
    * Must not have visual problems that in the investigators opinion would interfere in the completion of the study assessments
    * Unwilling to change hairstyle or remove a wig as necessary for the appointment to accommodate the net that is required to be worn on the scalp during the study procedure.
B: Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-75 years old
* Reports smoking at least 10 cigarettes per day AND provides a urine sample that tests positive for nicotine metabolites at intake
* Contemplating a smoking cessation attempt in the near future
* Willing to engage in a practice quit attempt during which they will be asked to smoke on one occasion
* Able to give informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently meets Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) criteria for depression, bi-polar disorder, or schizophrenia
* History of attempted suicide or expresses any current suicidal ideation
* Pregnant, breast feeding, or planning to become pregnant within the next 3 months
* Reports desire for immediate treatment of tobacco/nicotine dependence
* Severe impairment of renal function indicated by Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) less than 30 ml/min calculated using the Cockcroft and Gault prediction method (plasma creatinine adjusted by weight, gender, and age)
C: Inclusion Criteria:

* Smoker seeking treatment
* Aged 18 and over
* Consenting to take part
* Report little or no change in enjoyment of cigarettes and/or nausea

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or breastfeeding
* Have severe kidney disease
* Have severe heart problems
* Have a current psychiatric illness
* Are unable to fill in questionnaires in English
* Have an allergy to varenicline
* Are currently involved in another clinical trial
D: Inclusion Criteria:

* Current male or female cigarette smokers who are motivated to stop smoking.
* Smoked an average of 10 cigarettes per day during past year and the month prior to first visit.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who have used a nicotine replacement product, bupropion, clonidine or notriptyline within the past 6 months.
* Patients currently with depression or diagnosed with depression in past 12 months.
* Past or present history of psychosis, panic disorder, or bipolar disorder.

Answer: C