Bupropion and nicotine patch as smoking cessation aids in alcoholics.

Author(s): Grant KM, Kelley SS, Smith LM, Agrawal S, Meyer JR, Romberger DJ

Affiliation(s): Substance Use Disorders Program, 116A4, Veterans Administration Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System (Omaha site), 4101 Woolworth Avenue, Omaha, NE 68105, USA. Kathleen.grant2@med.va.gov

Publication date & source: 2007-08, Alcohol., 41(5):381-91.

Publication type: Multicenter Study; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

This is a double-blind placebo-controlled study of sustained-release bupropion as a smoking cessation aid in alcoholics undergoing treatment for their alcoholism. Participants (N=58) were enrolled within 1 week of entry into alcohol treatment from community and Veterans Affairs Substance Use Disorder programs. All participants received nicotine patch and were invited to attend a smoking cessation lecture and group. Cigarette smoking and alcohol outcomes were measured at 6 months. Bupropion when added to nicotine patch did not improve smoking outcomes. One third of participants on bupropion reported discontinuing the drug during weeks 1-4. Participants reported cigarette outcomes with nicotine patch that are similar to those seen in the general population. All study participants significantly reduced cigarette use. Comorbid affective disorder or antipersonality disorder did not affect outcomes. Alcohol outcomes were improved in those who discontinued cigarettes.