First episode mania following cessation of varenicline (Champix)

Baker, Richard
Gill, Nav
Parker, Gordon

Associate Conjoint Lecturer, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, and; Chief Registrar, Psychiatry, St Vincent’s Public Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Resident, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Scientia Professor, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, and; Professorial Fellow, Black Dog Institute, POW Hospital, Randwick, NSW, and; Consultant Psychiatrist, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Gordon Parker, Black Dog Institute, Hospital Rd, POW Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. Email: [email protected]

Received September 16, 2015

Accepted October 31, 2015

Australasian Psychiatry 24(3):p 292-294, June 2016. | DOI: 10.1177/1039856215626642

Objectives:

To describe a case of first episode mania and in which varenicline (Champix) or its withdrawal appears to have been the precipitating factor.

Methods:

The clinical presentation and progress are detailed and the relevant literature in relation to varenicline is provided.

Results:

The case report adds to the literature indicating that varenicline may induce a range of mood states, albeit with reported incidents of mania being rare.

Conclusions:

In reviewing causes of mood states, including mania, seeking information on any exposure to varenicline would appear to be relevant.