Combining clonidine and nicotine replacement for treatment of nicotine withdrawal

Abstract

The U.S. Surgeon General's 1988 report on nicotine addiction has increased the need for the substance abuse treatment community to become more involved in smoking cessation programs. A unique approach to nicotine detoxification has been developed at the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics' Drug Detoxification, Rehabilitation and Aftercare Project. After an evaluation by a physician, a thorough explanation of the treatment plan, and if the patient is interested, a combination of clonidine via the transdermal patch (Catapres-TTS) and of nicotine replacement via nicotine polacrilex (Nicorette) is used. By combining a Nicorette taper with clonidine, the physician can control the rate of nicotine withdrawal (Nicorette) and the extent to which withdrawal symptoms are treated (clonidine). This appears to be an effective, comfortable method for detoxification from cigarettes and nicotine. Its use should prove helpful as an adjunct to a comprehensive smoking cessation program.