Weight gain and withdrawal symptoms after smoking cessation: a preventive intervention using d-fenfluramine.
Directly measured food intake in 31 overweight female smokers to test whether (a) calorie and carbohydrate intakes increase after smoking cessation and (b) double-blind d-fenfluramine (30 mg), a serotonin-releasing drug, suppresses weight gain, overeating, and dysphoric mood associated with stopping smoking. Placebo-treated patients grew dysphoric after smoking withdrawal and ate 300 kcal/day more from 2 to 28 days after, showing a 3.5-lb weight gain. Fat and protein intakes did not change, but carbohydrate intake increased (30% to 40%). D-fenfluramine prevented postcessation dysphoria. Although drug-treated patients ate more carbohydrate snacks just after quitting, they returned to baseline by 4 weeks, showing a 1.8-lb weight loss. Agents that enhance brain serotonin-mediated neurotransmission may help prevent weight gain, overeating, and dysphoric mood after smoking withdrawal.
Spring
B
B
Department of Psychology, University of Health Sciences, Chicago Medical School, IL 60064.
Wurtman
J
J
Gleason
R
R
Wurtman
R
R
Kessler
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005277:Fenfluramine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015430:Weight Gain / Q000187:drug effects*
D005277:Fenfluramine