Transdermal nicotine replacement and smoking cessation.
Transdermal nicotine systems are a useful adjunct to smoking cessation. The larger-sized nicotine patches provide steady-state replacement of approximately 50 percent of the average serum nicotine level obtained by smoking one to one and one-half packs of cigarettes a day. This level is sufficient to prevent many symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, including physical craving, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, hostility, hunger and difficulty concentrating. In double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, transdermal nicotine systems have been about twice as successful as placebo in helping patients stop smoking.
McKenna
J P
JP
Medical Center, Beaver, Pa., Inc.
Cox
J L
JL
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000592:standards; D002638:Chewing Gum / Q000592:standards; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention
D002638:Chewing Gum; D009538:Nicotine