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Anti-depressant drug may help smokers quit
October 3, 1996
Web posted at: 10:00 p.m. EDTFrom Correspondent Liz Weiss
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (CNN) -- Bupropion, an anti-depressant drug, is now being studied in treating people who want to stop smoking. Early results show it may help smokers get out from under their cloud as well.
Libby Roberts joined the study to give up her 31-year pack-a-day habit. Previous attempts to kick the habit always ended in failure.
"I tried with the patch, that lasted for a year. A year to the day I started again, I don't know why. I tried hypnosis, that kind of interfered with work. Tried cold turkey, that lasted six hours," she said.
So, out of frustration, Roberts joined the drug study at Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. She will be in the study for two years, taking provided medication attending regular counseling sessions.
While Bupropion is typically used to treat depression, earlier studies indicated that it also eased the symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal.
Miriam Hospital's Dr. Michael Goldstein said that the drug has the potential to reduce the chances that a patient will experience mood swings when they stop smoking.
Study subjects at five U.S. centers begin by taking the medication for seven weeks. Those who succeed in quitting smoking for that long move onto the next phase of the study where they receive either the active drug or a dummy pill.
"People shouldn't look at any of these medications, either the patch or the newer medications that we're testing as panaceas or cures. They're simply adjuncts or assists that will help them in supporting their efforts to quit but they're not the answer," Goldstein said.
Libby Roberts doesn't know whether she's on the drug or the placebo, but says the counseling has helped her overcome the urge to smoke, especially when she's at the computer or driving in her car. (17 sec./187K AIFF or WAV sound)
Once researchers test the long-term effectiveness of this medication, it will be up to the FDA to decide whether the drug can be used widely in smoking cessation programs.
Related stories:
- Studies: The younger you smoke, the tougher to quit - August 23, 1996
- Study: Religion helps smokers kick the habit - May 15, 1996
- Patches, gum, boost smokers' chances of quitting - March 17, 1996
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