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Stopping smoking: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study comparing nortriptyline to placebo
Célia Lidia da Costa1, Riad Naim Younes, Maria Teresa Cruz Lourenço
1Departments of Psychiatry, A.C. Camargo Cancer Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil.
Chest
|August 13, 2002
Summary
Nortriptyline significantly increases smoking cessation rates in chronic smokers compared to placebo. This antidepressant is effective and safe for smoking cessation programs.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Antidepressant drugs have demonstrated positive effects on smoking cessation rates.
- Nortriptyline is an antidepressant drug with potential efficacy in smoking cessation programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of nortriptyline in an antismoking program.
- To assess the success rate, complications, and adherence to treatment.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study included 144 patients over 6 weeks.
- Patients received either nortriptyline (75 mg/d) or a placebo, alongside behavioral group orientation.
- Success rates, complications, adherence, and prognostic factors were evaluated using multivariate analysis.
Main Results:
- Nortriptyline group showed a significantly higher cessation rate (55.9%) versus placebo (23.3%; p < 0.001).
- Fagerström test scores (<7) and nortriptyline use were independent factors for successful smoking cessation.
- No significant complications were observed with nortriptyline treatment.
Conclusions:
- Nortriptyline significantly enhances smoking cessation rates in chronic smokers.
- The drug demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no significant side effects.
- Nortriptyline is a viable pharmacological option for smoking cessation interventions.