Which of the following pharmacotherapies for tobacco use disorder acts as a partial agonist at the alpha4-beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor?
- A Bupropion
- B Nicotine replacement therapy
- C Varenicline ✓
- D Nortriptyline
Correct answer: C. Varenicline
Explanation
Varenicline is a partial agonist at the alpha4-beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, providing mild stimulation to reduce cravings while blocking nicotine binding to reduce reward. Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, nicotine replacement therapy is a full agonist, and nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. Varenicline is considered the most effective single pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation.
Reference: Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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