Drug used for smoking cessation A/E-

naltrexone produced several beneficial effects in the treatment of nicotine dependence. For the whole sample, naltrexone improved quit rates, increased time to first cigarette, reduced cigarettes smoked and smoking urge ratings, and lessened the amount of weight gained . In 1997, sustained-release bupropion was approved as the first non-nicotine medication for smoking cessation. The mechanism of action for this agent, originally marketed as an antidepressant, is thought to be due to its capacity to block neural reuptake of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, reducing cravings for nicotine and symptoms of withdrawal. Patients should initiate bupropion therapy 1 to 2 weeks before their quit date, staing with 150 mg once a day for 2 days, then increasing to 150 mg twice a day. The medication is staed before the quit date because steady-state therapeutic levels are reached after about 7 days of therapy. Ref Davidson 23rd edition pg 1209