Impact of Prior Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Smoking Cessation Efficacy

Michael J. Durcan PhD; Jonathan White MS; Douglas E. Jorenby PhD; Michael C. Fiore MD; Stephen I. Rennard MD; Scott J. Leischow PhD; Mitchell A. Nides PhD; John A. Ascher MD; J. Andrew Johnston PharmD  

Objective: To examine previous use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) on the smoking-cessation efficacy of bupropion sustained release (SR). Methods: Secondary analysis of a parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Smokers who had, based on self-report, no previous history of NRT (N=453) or who had used NRT at least once (N=440) were randomized to receive placebo, bupropion SR, nicotine transdermal system (NTS), or a combination of bupropion SR and NTS. Results: Bupropion SR showed similar efficacy in participants with or without previous use of NRT. Conclusion: Bupropion SR is effective in promoting smoking abstinence regardless of prior NRT use.
Am J Health Behav 2002;26(3):213-220