Effects of differing nicotine-replacement doses on weight gain after smoking cessation.
OBJECTIVE
To prospectively assess effects of doses of a nicotine-replacement agent on weight gain in men and women after smoking cessation.


METHODS
Four-week, randomized, double-blind clinical trial.


METHODS
Outpatient medical clinic.


METHODS
Healthy volunteers who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day.


METHODS
Pharmacologic: Random assignment to 0, 2, or 4 mg of nicotine polacrilex on a fixed-dose schedule (one piece per hour while awake). Behavioral: Brief, medical/behavioral counseling regarding smoking cessation.


METHODS
Weight change as a function of dose and gender only in participants abstinent for all 4 week. (Self-reported abstinence verified by breath carbon monoxide levels).


RESULTS
Weight change in women abstinent for 4 weeks (n = 16) was +1.69, +0.33, and -0.26 kg in the placebo, 2-mg, and 4-mg groups, respectively, compared with +1.60, +1.45, and +1.18 kg for the men who were abstinent for 4 weeks (n = 19). Medication use did not differ as a function of dose or gender.


CONCLUSIONS
Nicotine polacrilex suppressed, in a dose-related fashion, weight gain after smoking cessation in successfully treated women. Weight gain was not shown to be suppressed in men, possibly because of small sample size.
Leischow
S J
SJ
Center for Pulmonary Disease Prevention, Palo Alto, Calif.
Sachs
D P
DP
Bostrom
A G
AG
Hansen
M D
MD
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002638:Chewing Gum; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011145:Polyvinyls / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D061485:Tobacco Use Cessation Devices; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
D002638:Chewing Gum; D011109:Polymethacrylic Acids; D011145:Polyvinyls; D009538:Nicotine