Using nicotine replacement therapy in treating nicotine addiction in adolescents

Cigarette smoking is the greatest cause of preventable death and disability in the United States. More than 3,000 children in the United States begin smoking each day. Smokers experience withdrawal symptoms that can be ameliorated by pharmacological interventions. These interventions include Zyban (Bupropion HCl), Nicorette gum, Habitrol patch, Nicoderm patch, Nicotrol inhaler, and Nicotrol NS spray, along with their generic counterparts. This article reviews each of these agents, the time course of nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire and presents a framework for assisting the nicotine-addicted student in smoking cessation.