Suitability of bupropion SR for nicotine-dependent smokers: problems in a practice setting.
BACKGROUND
Bupropion SR (Zyban) has been shown in randomized controlled trials to be an efficacious pharmacological aid for smoking cessation; however, recent reports have raised serious concerns about the breadth of its applicability without complications or contraindications.


METHODS
We examined this issue in a well-documented medical population, i.e. veterans volunteering to participate in a smoking cessation treatment research program involving the use of bupropion SR.


RESULTS
Overall, 22% of the 78 subjects who met the study criteria were appropriate for and completed the course of medication.


CONCLUSIONS
Thus, bupropion SR in nicotine-dependent veterans may not be broadly applicable when conservative prescribing guidelines are carefully followed.
Kohlenberg
Barbara S
BS
VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System, Reno, NV, USA. Barbarak@unr.edu
Antonuccio
David O
DO
Hayes
Steven C
SC
Gifford
Elizabeth V
EV
Piasecki
Melissa P
MP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016642:Bupropion / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000075202:Contraindications; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*
D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; D016642:Bupropion