Randomized clinical trial of the efficacy of bupropion combined with nicotine patch in the treatment of adolescent smokers.
Adolescent smokers (N = 211) were randomized to 1 of 2 groups: (a) nicotine patch plus bupropion SR (sustained release; 150 mg per day) or (b) nicotine patch plus placebo. Group skills training sessions were conducted each week by research staff. Abstinence rates at Weeks 10 and 26 were as follows: (a) patch plus bupropion, 23% and 8%, (b) patch plus placebo, 28% and 7%. Despite the lack of a treatment effect, a large majority of adolescents in both treatment groups reduced their consumption to a few cigarettes per day or less and maintained this reduction over time. Similarly, an examination of survival curves revealed that by the end of treatment many had managed to avoid a return to daily smoking. These findings are encouraging and suggest new avenues for research. For example, treatments of the kind examined in this report, augmented by extended maintenance therapies, may yield higher long-term success rates.
Killen
Joel D
JD
Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. jkillen@stanford.edu
Robinson
Thomas N
TN
Ammerman
Seth
S
Hayward
Chris
C
Rogers
Jayna
J
Stone
Christi
C
Samuels
Deanne
D
Levin
Sara K
SK
Green
Sarah
S
Schatzberg
Alan F
AF
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D016642:Bupropion / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*
D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; D016642:Bupropion; D009538:Nicotine