RT Journal
A1 Hughes JR
T1 TReatment of nicotine dependence is more better?
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 1995
FD November 1
VO 274
IS 17
SP 1390
OP 1391
DO 10.1001/jama.1995.03530170070035
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1995.03530170070035
AB The two studies assessing the safety and efficacy of high-dose nicotine patch therapy by Jorenby et al1 and Dale et al2 in this issue of THE JOURNAL raise four questions: Should higher-dose nicotine patches be used? Should nicotine patch therapy be tailored to achieve 100% replacement? How effective is the nicotine patch when given with no physician advice, ie, in over-the-counter—like conditions, in comparison with its effectiveness with physician advice, in prescription-like conditions? How much is its efficacy increased by adding behavioral therapy?See also pp 1347 and 1353.Dale et al2 found that 22-mg patches underdose the majority of smokers and that higher doses are safe, provide better withdrawal relief, and appear to increase efficacy. Their results are supported by other studies, which found that standard-dose patches (15 to 22 mg/d) provide less than 100% nicotine replacement3; greater nicotine replacement decreases withdrawal symptoms and increases