title: Comparing the tolerability and effectiveness of two treatment regimens in a smoking clinic.
abstract: This study compares the effectiveness and tolerability of bupropion versus bupropion plus nicotine patch for smoking cessation in a routine clinical setting. Patients at the Sepulveda Veterans Health Administration Smoking Cessation Clinic completed a baseline survey and received counseling over 2 months, along with bupropion or bupropion plus nicotine patch. Of the 227 patients randomized to treatment, 112 (49%) received bupropion only and 115 (51%) received the combination therapy. At least one side effect was noted in 55% of bupropion patients and 70% of combination therapy patients; treatment regimens were changed in 7% and 14%, respectively. Abstinence rates at 2 months were 26% for the bupropion group and 37% for the combination therapy group (p = 0.1), and at 6 months were 42% versus 35%, respectively (p = 0.4). Although 6-month abstinence rates were derived from patient self-report and should be interpreted with caution, these results suggest that most patients referred to the clinic are able to take these medications. There was no difference in the rate of switching treatments, or in long-term abstinence rates.
authors.affiliation: VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, 423 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010, USA.
authors.forename: Scott E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Sherman
authors.forename: Ileana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Aldana
authors.forename: Maribel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Estrada
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: York
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D016642:Bupropion / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014728:Veterans
chemical_list: D016642:Bupropion; D009538:Nicotine