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Transdermal nicotine facilitates smoking cessation
Author(s) -
Rose Jed E,
Levin Edward D,
Behm Frederique M,
Adivi Carla,
Schur Cynthia
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
clinical pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.941
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1532-6535
pISSN - 0009-9236
DOI - 10.1038/clpt.1990.35
Subject(s) - craving , smoking cessation , nicotine patch , medicine , nicotine , abstinence , transdermal patch , nicotine withdrawal , transdermal , anesthesia , randomized controlled trial , irritation , addiction , pharmacology , placebo , psychiatry , alternative medicine , pathology , immunology
The efficacy of a transdermal nicotine patch in facilitation of smoking cessation was evaluated in a randomized double‐blind trial. Sixty‐five smokers who were highly dependent on cigarettes participated in the study, which included a behavioral smoking‐cessation program. The rates of continuous abstinence were significantly higher in the nicotine group both initially (55% versus 34%) and at 3 weeks (18% versus 6%). Certain smoking withdrawal symptoms, including negative affect and hypoarousal, were effectively relieved by the nicotine patch. There was a trend toward a reduction in cigarette craving, whereas hunger and habit withdrawal symptoms were not affected. The main side effect associated with the nicotine patch was skin irritation. These findings suggest that a nicotine skin patch may be a useful aid to smoking cessation; however, the combination of other techniques with nicotine replacement may provide a more effective treatment for symptoms such as craving for cigarettes. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1990) 47 , 323–330; doi: 10.1038/clpt.1990.35