Pharmacologic Substance
varenicline
Brand Names:
Chantix; Tyrvaya
Effect:
Decreased Central Nervous System Dopamine Activity
More Information:
ChemID; DrugBank; DailyMed; PDR
Definitions related to varenicline:
  • A benzazepine derivative that functions as an ALPHA4-BETA2 NICOTINIC RECEPTOR partial agonist. It is used for SMOKING CESSATION.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • A drug used to help people stop smoking by acting the same way nicotine acts in the brain. It is a type of nicotine receptor partial agonist.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • A partial agonist of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) subtype alpha4beta2. Nicotine stimulation of central alpha4beta2 nAChRs located at presynaptic terminals in the nucleus accumbens causes the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which may be associated with the experience of pleasure; nicotine addiction constitutes a physiologic dependence related to this dopaminergic reward system. As an AChR partial agonist, varenicline attenuates the craving and withdrawal symptoms that occur with abstinence from nicotine but is not habit-forming itself.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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