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Doxepin as an adjunct to smoking cessation: a double-blind pilot study
N B Edwards1, J K Murphy, A D Downs
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis 38105.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Doxepin hydrochloride may aid smoking cessation, with most participants reporting quitting. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings for doxepin hydrochloride and smoking cessation.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable death globally.
- Nicotine addiction is a complex physiological and psychological dependence.
- Pharmacological interventions are crucial in supporting smoking cessation efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of doxepin hydrochloride as a smoking cessation aid.
- To evaluate the impact of doxepin hydrochloride on nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
- To assess the long-term success rates of smoking cessation with doxepin hydrochloride.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 19 adult smokers.
- Participants received either 150 mg of doxepin hydrochloride or a placebo at bedtime.
- Smoking cessation was attempted after 3 weeks of treatment, with medication continued for an additional 4 weeks.
Main Results:
- All nine participants receiving doxepin hydrochloride reported smoking cessation at 1 week post-cessation.
- Seven of the nine doxepin hydrochloride participants maintained cessation at 9 weeks.
- Only one participant in the placebo group reported cessation; cotinine assays provided supportive but interpretive data.
Conclusions:
- Doxepin hydrochloride shows potential as an effective smoking cessation medication.
- Precessation doxepin levels may correlate with successful cessation.
- Larger sample sizes and extended follow-up are recommended for further validation.