Effects of short-term varenicline administration on cortisol in healthy, non-smoking adults: a randomized, double-blind, study

Rationale Varenicline is the most effective drug for smoking cessation, but its use decreased because of reports of depressogenic side effects. However, because smoking and smoking cessation on their own are associated with depression, it remains unclear whether reported depressogenic effects are attributable to varenicline, or to smoking, and/or smoking cessation themselves.