Tabaquismo — vareniclina (1ª línea)

Why / when / how

Varenicline helps with quitting smoking and sustaining tobacco abstinence, and it ranks among the most effective options for cessation as a first-line treatment. The certainty of the evidence for the critical outcomes is high. This is why the recommendation is strong in favor, because the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

Cautions

Before intervening on substance use and exposure to toxicants, assess the patient's consumption pattern, dependence, and clinical conditions, and individualize the approach. Discontinuing substances that produce physical dependence may require medical supervision because of the risk of a withdrawal syndrome, so it should not be stopped abruptly without assessment. Advise seeking professional care in the presence of any warning sign, including in crisis situations, and refer to specialized addiction treatment/environmental health services, according to the case. Reassess the course periodically.

Quantitative evidence