A randomized, controlled trial of bupropion sustained-release for preventing tobacco relapse in recovering alcoholics

Taylor J. Hays, Richard D. Hurt, Paul A. Decker, Ivana T. Croghan, Kenneth P. Offord, Christi A. Patten

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Studies examining the efficacy of tobacco dependence treatment among recovering alcoholic smokers have produced mixed findings. We set out to investigate this issue further by conducting a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of bupropion sustained-release (SR) for smoking relapse prevention among abstinent alcoholic smokers. Methods: Participants (N = 195) met DSM-IV criteria for a history of alcohol abuse or dependence and had at least 1 year of continuous abstinence from alcohol and drugs. Open-label treatment with nicotine patch therapy was provided to all subjects for 8 weeks. The initial nicotine patch dose was determined by the subject's baseline serum cotinine concentration with an aim to achieve 100% cotinine replacement. All subjects who were confirmed abstinent from smoking throughout the final week of nicotine patch therapy (Week 8) were randomly assigned to receive bupropion SR 300 mg/day or placebo through Week 52. Results: A total of 110 participants were randomized to the double-blind treatment. No significant difference was observed between the bupropion and placebo groups for rates of continuous smoking abstinence, 41.1% (95% CI = 28.1%-55.0%) versus 40.7% (95% CI = 27.6%-55.0%), respectively, p = 1.0, or point prevalence abstinence, 39.3% (95% CI = 26.5%-53.3%) versus 40.7% (95% CI = 27.6%-55.0%), respectively, p = 1.0, at the end of the treatment (Week 52). Relapse to alcohol occurred in 4% of subjects (n = 4) during the study. Discussion: Treatment with bupropion SR among abstinent alcoholic smokers did not delay relapse or result in improved long-term smoking abstinence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)859-867
Number of pages9
JournalNicotine and Tobacco Research
Volume11
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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