smoking cessation

Question 1

varenicline

- contraindications

Answer 1

history of seizures
pregnancy
<18

Question 2

varenicline

- dosage

Answer 2

initially 0.5 mg once daily for 3 days, then 0.5 mg twice daily for 4 days, then 1 mg twice daily for 11–23 weeks, as tolerated.

Question 3

nicotine dependence criteria (3)

Answer 3

any of

• smokes 10 cigs / day
• smokes within 30 minutes of waking
• withdrawal symptoms after quitting in the past

Question 4

5As for stopping smoking (5)

Answer 4

ask about smoking
assess motivation and nicotine dependence
advise to quit smoking
assist to quit
arrange follow up to maintain nonsmoking

Question 5

Smoking cessation - rx options

Answer 5

nicotine replacement therapy
varenicline 0.5mg od for 3 days, then 0.5mg bd for 4 days, then 1mg bd thereafter
bupropion 150mg od for 3 days then 150mg bd thereafter for 10 weeks total