A study of the outcome of Nicotine use disorder treatment devised as per an evidence-based treatment protocol

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Tobacco is the most common form of nicotine. It is smoked most commonly in cigarettes,then, in descending order, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, and in pipes. Effective treatments have now beenidentified and should be used with every current and former smoker. Guidelines that are available mightnot be specific and tailor made for patient population we come across. Hence, we reviewed and criticallyappraised available guidelines, systemic reviews, meta-analysis, review articles etc and we designed ourevidence-based treatment protocols accordingly and this study will test the treatment effectiveness innicotine use disorder.Material & Methods: It was a prospective observational study. Individuals aged above 18 years withnicotine use disorder were enrolled into the study. The participants were assessed using structuredPerforma including demographic data, quit attempts and severity of Nicotine dependence using theFagerström Nicotine Dependence Scale. Group A includes participants who were given Bupropion andGroup B were given varenicline. Follow up was done at 1 and 3 month and patients assessed for relapse.Results: Out of 90 participants 40 patients dropped out and 50 patients who completed the study, at 1month of follow up there was no significant difference in relapse between two groups but at 3 monthsfollow up compared to Group B (Varenicline), in group A (Bupropion) number of relapse is significantlyhigher (p value = 0.044).Conclusion: At the end of the 3 months, significant difference was found between the medications interms of the success of smoking cessation. Patients taking Bupropion had significantly higher relapse rateas compare to varenicline.