Impact of prior nicotine replacement therapy on smoking cessation efficacy.

Objective: To examine previous use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) on the smoking-cessation efficacy of bupropion sustained release (SR).

Methods: Secondary analysis of a parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Smokers who had, based on self-report, no previous history of NRT (N = 453) or who had used NRT at least once (N = 440) were randomized to receive placebo, bupropion SR, nicotine transdermal system (NTS), or a combination of bupropion SR and NTS.

Results: Bupropion SR showed similar efficacy in participants with or without previous use of NRT.

Conclusion: Bupropion SR is effective in promoting smoking abstinence regardless of prior NRT use.