Randomized trial of acupuncture for nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Acupuncture is frequently used for smoking cessation. Positive results from uncontrolled studies have not been supported by meta-analysis of controlled trials. One possible reason for this is that the optimal acupuncture technique was not applied or that the technique was not repeated sufficiently often.

METHODS:

A randomized, sham-controlled trial was performed with 2 parallel treatment arms; the participant and the evaluator were unaware of which treatment was received. Seventy-six adults who wanted to stop smoking received either 100-Hz electroacupuncture with needles inserted into the appropriate point in each ear or a sham control procedure over the mastoid bone. Interventions were given on days 1, 3, and 7 of smoking cessation. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms were measured by visual analog scale scores recorded in a daily diary for 14 days; smoking cessation was confirmed objectively.

RESULTS:

There was no significant difference between the mean reduction of withdrawal symptom scores of the 2 groups from day 1 to day 14. Fifteen participants (39%) who received electroacupuncture and 16 participants (42%) who received a sham procedure were abstinent on day 14.

CONCLUSION:

This form of electroacupuncture is no more effective than placebo in reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

• Authors: A R White, K L Resch, E Ernst
• Journal: Archives of internal medicine (Arch Intern Med) Vol. 158 Issue 20 Pg. 2251-5 (Nov 09 1998) ISSN: 0003-9926 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9818805 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Nicotine

Topics

• Adult
• Electroacupuncture
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nicotine (adverse effects)
• Smoking Cessation (methods)
• Substance Withdrawal Syndrome (etiology, therapy)
• Treatment Outcome