Safety and Effectiveness of Sustained Release Bupropion in Treating Individuals With Schizophrenia Who Smoke

Participants were randomly assigned to receive bupropion SR 150 mg or placebo, once daily for 7 days, then twice daily for 11 weeks.

Participants attended a 12-session, 1-hour, weekly smoking cessation group program with 3 to 7 participants led by a psychologist with tobacco treatment specialist training. Subjects set a quit date, and nicotine patches (Habitrol) and nicotine polacrilex gum (Nicorette) were initiated in the fourth week.

Nicotine patch was dosed at 21 mg/d for 4 weeks, 14 mg/d for 2 weeks, and 7 mg/d for 2 weeks, then discontinued. Nicotine gum (2 mg) was distributed for use as needed for craving up to 18 mg/d.