Effect of Nicotine Replacement on the Cigarette Withdrawal Syndrome

Abstract

Summary The effect of nicotine replacement on the cigarette withdrawal syndrome was investigated in 48 smokers, who were randomly allocated to chew either 2 mg or.5 mg nicotine gum over 24 hours of cigarette abstinence. Characteristic withdrawal symptoms were observed on the low dose (.5 mg) gum: i.e. increased irritability, depression, restlessness, dizziness and hunger, and decreased ability to concentrate, sociability and composure when in company. In addition there was a drop in heart rate and urinary adrenaline excretion. The 2 mg gum alleviated problems of irritability, depression, and difficulties related to social interaction but not hunger or ability to concentrate. It also reduced the drop in heart rate from 14.9 to 9.7 bpm. The results support the view that nicotine deprivation per se plays a significant role in certain withdrawal effects.