The results of
buspirone efficacy have been inconsistent and contradictory. The rate of smoking abstinence has been reported to range from 36% to 88% and 16% to 89% in
buspirone and placebo treatment groups, respectively. Only one controlled study reported
buspirone efficacy in reducing
nicotine withdrawal symptoms, although it was based on a small sample population and only 4 weeks of follow-up. The most recent studies have been unable to demonstrate the efficacy of
buspirone in smoking cessation or in the relief of
withdrawal symptoms. A placebo-controlled, randomized trial with a large number of patients, relatively high doses of
buspirone (30-60 mg/d), strict abstinence criteria, long-term follow-up, and the inclusion of smokers with general anxiety or anxiety reported in previous quit attempts is needed to further evaluate
buspirone efficacy in smoking cessation and the reduction of
nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The treatment effects of
buspirone could then be specifically tested as a function of alleviating the anxiety component of the smoking withdrawal syndrome. Finally,
buspirone may prove to be an alternative in patients unsuccessful with or unable to tolerate transdermal
nicotine therapy. How
buspirone compares with
bupropion therapy for smoking cessation is also unknown.