Few studies have examined smoking cessation in young smokers, who usually recognize the health risks of smoking, express motivation to quit and attempt to quit (but are typically unsuccessful). This study will evaluate the effectiveness of one of the non-nicotine medications and also will examine whether a formal individualized counseling program will result in higher cessation rates in youth.
"While most approved medications for smoking cessation to date are those that provide nictotine medications, recent studies evaluating the effects of novel non-nicotine medications indicate that significant improvements in cessation rates are possible," says Scott Leischow, Ph.D., principal investigator for the study and director of the Arizona Program for Nicotine and Tobacco Research. "One of the most promising non-nicotine medications is Zyban(tm) (previously marketed only as Wellbutrin SR(r)). Because the efficacy of Zyban(tm) for adult smoking cessation is greater than nicotine replacement alone, and because bupropion therapy (Zyban's active ingredient) has been tested in youth with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, it is the clear choice for investigation as a pharmacologic treatment for youth smoking cessation."
PLEASE NOTE: Volunteers must be between 14 and 18 years old and be available for one year. They must receive written parental consent prior to participation and will be required to attend 12 visits at the research site, located at 1145 N. Campbell Ave. The Zyban(tm) will be provided at no cost to participants.
TO PARTICIPATE: Smokers interested in participating in the study should call the Arizona Program for Nicotine and Tobacco Research at 621-9907 and leave a message indicating their interest in the youth study.
The Arizona Prevention Center is a Center of Excellence at The University of Arizona College of Medicine.
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