Timing of nicotine lozenge administration to minimize trigger induced craving and withdrawal symptoms

Michael Kotlyar, Bruce R. Lindgren, John P. Vuchetich, Chap Le, Anne M. Mills, Elizabeth Amiot, Dorothy K. Hatsukami

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction Smokers are often advised to use nicotine lozenge when craving or withdrawal symptoms occur. This may be too late to prevent lapses. This study assessed if nicotine lozenge use prior to a common smoking trigger can minimize trigger induced increases in craving and withdrawal symptoms. Methods Eighty-four smokers completed two laboratory sessions in random order. At one session, nicotine lozenge was given immediately after a stressor (to approximate current recommended use – i.e., after craving and withdrawal symptoms occur); at the other session subjects were randomized to receive nicotine lozenge at time points ranging from immediately to 30 min prior to the stressor. Withdrawal symptoms and urge to smoke were measured using the Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale and the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU). Results Relative to receiving lozenge after the stressor, a smaller increase in pre-stressor to post-stressor withdrawal symptom scores occurred when lozenge was used immediately (p = 0.03) and 10 min prior (p = 0.044) to the stressor. Results were similar for factors 1 and 2 of the QSU when lozenge was used immediately prior to the stressor (p < 0.03) and for factor 1 of the QSU when lozenge was used 10 min prior to the stressor (p = 0.028). Absolute levels of post-stressor withdrawal symptom and urge to smoke severity were lower when lozenge was given prior to versus after a stressor. Conclusions Administering the nicotine lozenge prior to a smoking trigger can decrease trigger induced craving and withdrawal symptoms. Future studies are needed to determine if such use would increase cessation rates. Clinicaltrials.gov

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)18-24
Number of pages7
JournalAddictive Behaviors
Volume71
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2017

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Dr. Kotlyar has received grant funding through the Global Research Award for Nicotine Dependence (GRAND) program funded by Pfizer.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2017 Elsevier Ltd

Copyright:
Copyright 2017 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Craving
  • Nicotine Lozenge
  • Smoking
  • Withdrawal symptoms

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