Which statement about varenicline is true regarding mood and psychiatric effects?

• A. Mood changes including possible depression or suicidality may occur.
• B. It always improves mood.
• C. It has no psychiatric effects.
• D. It eliminates withdrawal symptoms immediately.

Answer: (A)

Varenicline can affect mood and mental health because it acts on brain receptors involved in reward and mood regulation. While it helps with smoking cessation by partially stimulating these receptors, it can also cause mood changes in some people, including depression or even suicidal thoughts. This is a recognized safety consideration, so clinicians monitor mood and behavior and consider stopping the medication if mood worsens or you notice new or worsening suicidal thoughts.

It isn’t a guarantee of improved mood, and it doesn’t erase withdrawal symptoms instantly. It reduces withdrawal and cravings but doesn’t eliminate them immediately. Some statements suggesting it has no psychiatric effects or that mood always improves, or that withdrawal is eliminated right away, aren’t accurate.