ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To explore the biology of nicotine addiction and to investigate the latest pharmacological treatments for nicotine dependence. METHODS: Explore the research literature for treating nicotine dependence. RESULTS: Nicotine is an additive drug and the most effective methods for treating dependence are nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and bupropion SR. CONCLUSION: The best available treatments for nicotine dependence are pharmacological adjuncts; specifically, NRT and bupropion SR when combined with behavioral counseling.
Subject(s)
Bupropion/administration & dosage , Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Nicotine/administration & dosage , Tobacco Use Disorder/drug therapy , Humans , Smoking/drug therapy , Smoking/metabolism , Substance Withdrawal Syndrome , Tobacco Use Disorder/metabolism , United StatesABSTRACT
To explore the biology of nicotine addiction and to discuss the latest effective treatments for nicotine dependence. Research indicates that the most effective methods for treating nicotine dependence are nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and bupropion SR (BUP). We conclude that pharmacological adjuncts (NRT & BUP) achieve their greatest success when combined with behavioral counseling.
Subject(s)
Nicotine , Smoking Cessation/methods , Substance-Related Disorders/rehabilitation , Behavior Therapy , Bupropion/administration & dosage , Humans , Nicotine/administration & dosage , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Substance Withdrawal Syndrome/rehabilitationABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Trials of antidepressant medications for smoking cessation have had mixed results. We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a sustained-release form of bupropion for smoking cessation. We excluded smokers with current depression, but not those with a history of major depression. The 615 subjects were randomly assigned to receive placebo or bupropion at a dose of 100, 150, or 300 mg per day for seven weeks. The target quitting date (or "target quit date") was one week after the beginning of treatment. Brief counseling was provided at base line, weekly during treatment, and at 8, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. Self-reported abstinence was confirmed by a carbon monoxide concentration in expired air of 10 ppm or less. RESULTS: At the end of seven weeks of treatment, the rates of smoking cessation as confirmed by carbon monoxide measurements were 19.0 percent in the placebo group, 28.8 percent in the 100-mg group, 38.6 percent in the 150-mg group, and 44.2 percent in the 300-mg group (P<0.001). At one year the respective rates were 12.4 percent, 19.6 percent, 22.9 percent, and 23.1 percent. The rates for the 150-mg group (P=0.02) and the 300-mg group (P=0.01) -- but not the 100-mg group (P=0.09) -- were significantly better than those for the placebo group. Among the subjects who were continuously abstinent through the end of treatment, the mean absolute weight gain was inversely associated with the dose (a gain of 2.9 kg in the placebo group, 2.3 kg in 100-mg and 150-mg groups, and 1.5 kg in the 300-mg group; P= 0.02). No effects of treatment were observed on depression scores as measured serially by the Beck Depression Inventory. Thirty-seven subjects stopped treatment prematurely because of adverse events; the frequency was similar among all groups. CONCLUSIONS: A sustained-release form of bupropion was effective for smoking cessation and was accompanied by reduced weight gain and minimal side effects. Many participants in all groups were smoking at one year.
