A Study of The Outcome of Nicotine Use Disorder Treatment Devised as Per an Evidence-Based Treatment Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco is the most common form of nicotine. It is smoked most commonly in cigarettes, then, in descending order, cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, and in pipes. Effective treatments have now been identified and should be used with every current and former smoker. Guidelines that are available might not be specific and tailor made for patient population we come across. Hence, we reviewed and critically appraised available guidelines, systemic reviews, meta-analysis, review articles etc and we designed our evidence-based treatment protocols accordingly and this study will test the treatment effectiveness in nicotine use disorder. Material & Methods: It was a prospective observational study. Individuals aged above 18 years with nicotine use disorder were enrolled into the study. The participants were assessed using structured Performa including demographic data, quit attempts and severity of Nicotine dependence using the Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Scale. Group A includes participants who were given Bupropion and Group B were given varenicline. Follow up was done at 1 and 3 month and patients assessed for relapse. Results: Out of 90 participants 40 patients dropped out and 50 patients who completed the study, at 1 month of follow up there was no significant difference in relapse between two groups but at 3 months follow up compared to Group B (Varenicline), in group A (Bupropion) number of relapse is significantly higher (p value = 0.044). Conclusion: At the end of the 3 months, significant difference was found between the medications in terms of the success of smoking cessation. Patients taking Bupropion had significantly higher relapse rate as compare to varenicline.