Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) therapy combined with varenicline to improve smoking cessation outcomes: a proof-of-concept double-blind sham-controlled trial

Abstract Background: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) targets cortical circuits and has been shown to acutely reduce craving withdrawal symptoms among smokers. However, the efficacy of tDCS as an adjunct smoking cessation pharmacotherapy not studied. This study aimed investigate with anode left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in combination varenicline for cessation. Methods: was a double-blind, sham-controlled randomized clinical trial where 41 healthy smokers were 1:1 either active (20 minutes at 2 mA; anode=left DLPFC; cathode=right DLPFC) or sham 10 daily sessions over first weeks plus 5 booster sessions, occurring every two weeks. All participants also given 12 standard treatment concurrently tDCS. Target quit date after starting treatment. The primary outcome 30-day continuous abstinence end Results: At treatment, associated higher than (67% vs 38% respectively, p=0.12) completers. Active significantly decreased cigarette consumption time but had no differential effect on nicotine compared sham. There significant adverse events stimulation Discussion: is show cessation, end-of-treatment rate alone. These novel findings illuminate potential option Research Category Technology Methods Clinical Research: 9. Keywords: tobacco, varenicline,