Buspirone effect on tobacco withdrawal symptoms: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Withdrawal symptoms hinder smoking cessation in nicotine-dependent smokers. This prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate buspirone for nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

METHODS:

Fifty-four heavy smokers (mean 33.1 cigarettes per day for 24 years) were randomly prescribed 30 mg/d of buspirone or placebo beginning 3 weeks before abrupt smoking cessation. Validated nicotine withdrawal and anxiety scales were administered at baseline and serially for 2 weeks after cessation.

RESULTS:

Baseline demographic and nicotine-dependence measures were similar for each group. Three smokers (1 on buspirone, 2 on placebo) dropped out of the protocol prior to the quit date. Both groups had significant withdrawal effects over time (analysis of variance [ANOVA] P = 0.0001). There was a significant buspirone effect on any nicotine withdrawal symptoms (ANOVA, alpha = 0.05). Smokers who relapsed, regardless of group, reported significantly worse craving, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating than abstainers (P less than 0.05). Relapse rates at follow-up visits were not significantly different between groups. Two-week abstinence rates were 52 percent for placebo and 62 percent for buspirone (chi-square, P = 0.760).

CONCLUSIONS:

In these heavy smokers, buspirone offered no relief from nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Regardless of treatment, relapsing smokers experienced more intense nicotine withdrawal.

• Authors: M D Robinson, Y L Pettice, W A Smith, E A Cederstrom, D E Sutherland, H Davis
• Journal: The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice (J Am Board Fam Pract) 1992 Jan-Feb Vol. 5 Issue 1 Pg. 1-9 ISSN: 0893-8652 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1561909 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Nicotine
• Buspirone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Analysis of Variance
• Buspirone (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nicotine (adverse effects)
• Prospective Studies
• Substance Withdrawal Syndrome (drug therapy)
• Time Factors