Comparison of three nicotine treatments: initial reactions and preferences with guided use.
BACKGROUND
Misuse or dislike of nicotine replacement treatments (NRTs) undermines their effectiveness. Brief testing among NRTs could allow tailoring by preference to improve outcome.


OBJECTIVE
To test initial reactions/preferences to NRTs in a single session crossover design with guided use.


METHODS
Smokers were offered two doses of three NRTs: gum (2 and 4 mg), inhaler, and nasal spray (NNS) in a 5-h test with proper use enforced. Subjects rated each NRT and ranked among NRTs on use variables and preferences.


RESULTS
Gum was ranked over inhaler and NNS for "ease of use," "safety" and "prefer in public." Four-milligram gum was rated higher than 2 mg on several variables. With experience, "ease of use" and "liking" improved for gum. Both inhaler and NNS ranked low on considering "use >3 months" vs gum. Dislike of NRT was reflected in refusal of second doses. For those testing all doses (n=9), inhaler ranked last on "relief of withdrawal," "choose under stress," and "choice to help quit." Craving and withdrawal were relieved over time with any NRT use.


CONCLUSIONS
Sampling of treatments can identify reactions key to initial compliance with these NRTs.
Schneider
Nina G
NG
Veteran Affairs Greater Los Angeles (VAGLA) Healthcare System, and Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA. ngs@ucla.edu
Terrace
Scott
S
Koury
Margaret A
MA
Patel
Shilpan
S
Vaghaiwalla
Behram
B
Pendergrass
Regina
R
Olmstead
Richard E
RE
Cortner
Chris
C
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002638:Chewing Gum; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004333:Drug Administration Routes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*
D002638:Chewing Gum; D018722:Nicotinic Agonists; D009538:Nicotine