Is Bupropion Sustained-Release Effective for Smoking Cessation: A Meta-analysis

Signature Grand, Davie, Florida, USA

Objective. To evaluate efficacy of bupropion sustained-release for smoking cessation compared with placebo. Background. Bupropion sustained-release is an aid for smoking cessation; however, patients who failed quitting smoking after using bupropion sustained-release complained of its effectiveness. Methods. An extensive literature search through PubMed and references of identified studies was performed. Investigators selected randomized control trials in which bupropion SR alone or as a part of a combination therapy was compared to placebo in smokers who were motivated to stop smoking. To access the efficacy of bupropion sustained-release, investigators used short-term (12 weeks) and long-term (52 weeks) abstinence rate, confirmed with a biochemical test. The primary outcome was continuous abstinence rate at week 12. The secondary outcome was continuous abstinence rate at week 52. Results. Out of a total of 23 studies that were initially reviewed, nine randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, including 5889 participants. The primary outcome indicated that bupropion sustained-release was more effective than placebo (OR 2.05, 95% CI, 1.51-2.79). Eight trials showed significantly higher abstinence rates in bupropion groups. The secondary outcome (OR 1.74, 95% CI, 1.22-2.49) indicated that bupropion sustained-release was still more effective than placebo. Conclusion. Meta-analysis results indicated that bupropion sustained-release was more effective than placebo for smoking cessation.