JAMA

Varenicline shows promise in helping youth quit nicotine vaping

May 5, 2025

Study details: This randomized trial assessed the efficacy of varenicline for nicotine vaping cessation in youth aged 16 to 25 years who vaped daily or near daily and didn't regularly smoke tobacco. Participants (n = 261) were randomized to receive varenicline, placebo, or enhanced usual care, with all groups receiving brief behavioral counseling and referral to text messaging support. The primary outcome was biochemically verified continuous vaping abstinence during the last 4 weeks of treatment.

Results: Varenicline significantly increased continuous vaping abstinence rates compared with placebo during weeks 9 through 12 (51% vs. 14%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 6.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0-14.1; P<0.001) and weeks 9 through 24 (28% vs. 7%; aOR, 6.0; 95% CI, 2.1-16.9; P<0.001). Varenicline also showed higher abstinence rates compared with enhanced usual care during the same periods. The medication was well tolerated, with no drug-related serious adverse events reported.

Clinical impact: Findings suggest that varenicline, combined with behavioral counseling, is effective in promoting nicotine vaping cessation among youth. This supports the potential use of varenicline as a treatment option for this population, addressing a significant public health concern.

Source:

Evins AE, et al. (2025, April 23). JAMA. Varenicline for Youth Nicotine Vaping Cessation: A Randomized Clinical Trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40266580/