Pharmacotherapy for Smoking Cessation in Patients with Schizophrenia.

Kim, Sung Jin; Jung, Do Un; Kim, You Na

doi:2018.21.1.21

Korean J Schizophr Res > Volume 21(1); 2018 > Article

Review Article

Korean Journal of Schizophrenia Research 2018;21(1):21-27.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.16946/kjsr.2018.21.1.21 Published online April 30, 2018.

Pharmacotherapy for Smoking Cessation in Patients with Schizophrenia.

Sung Jin Kim, Do Un Jung, You Na Kim

Department of Psychiatry, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea. gabriel.jdu@gmail.com

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a major chronic mental illness with various symptoms that is often accompanied by substance use disorders. Patients with schizophrenia have a higher smoking rate than the general population and a lower smoking cessation success rate. Further, their motivation for smoking cessation is often low. Individuals with schizophrenia that are past or present cigarette smokers are more difficult to treat in terms of psychotic symptoms, are more likely to have physical illnesses, and have higher mortality rates. A variety of treatments, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, are used to aid smoking cessation in patients with schizophrenia. Among these, bupropion, varenicline, and nicotine replacement therapy can be safely used in patients with schizophrenia, and several studies have demonstrated their effects. Cigarette smoking is an important health problem. The study of smoking cessation in individuals with schizophrenia may help improve their ability to function and their quality of life through active evaluation and treatment.

Key Words: Schizophrenia · Smoking · Nicotine · Drug therapy