Bupropion aids smoking cessation for those with schizophrenia.(What's New in Research)(Report)

Bupropion appears to be an effective aid to increase smoking abstinence in adult smokers with schizophrenia, without exacerbating psychosis or increasing the risk of seizure, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The review is the first to provide evidence of bupropion's effectiveness in increasing the rate of smoking abstinence in individuals with schizophrenia without compromising their mental state.

Quitting smoking is particularly difficult for patients with schizophrenia, who have a 3 times greater odds of ever smoking and lower smoking cessation rates than the general population. In addition to a higher prevalence of chronic cigarette smoking, patients with schizophrenia have a tendency to smoke more heavily, inhale more deeply, and use nicotine to self-medicate, contributing to low motivation to stop smoking.

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