Comparison 7.

Variations in usage

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1 Flexible quit date	1		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	Totals not selected
2 Non‐standard dose varenicline versus placebo at 52 weeks	9		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	Subtotals only
2.1 Low‐dose varenicline vs placebo at 52 weeks	4	1266	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	2.08 [1.56, 2.78]
2.2 Variable dosage at participant's or physician's discretion	6	1789	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	2.29 [1.81, 2.89]
3 Standard dose varenicline versus low dose at 52 weeks	3	1079	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.25 [1.00, 1.55]
4 Standard dose varenicline versus high dose at 12 weeks	1	200	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.88 [0.54, 1.44]
5 Reducing to quit	1		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	Totals not selected
6 Varenicline as maintenance therapy (relapse prevention) to sustain quitting	2		Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	Subtotals only
6.1 Abstinence at 52 weeks	2	1295	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.24 [1.08, 1.42]
6.2 Abstinence at 24 weeks	1	1210	Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.42 [1.29, 1.56]