Table 3.
Unwanted symptoms after the commencement of treatment.a
| Symptom | NRT (n = 418) | Bupropion (n = 409) | NRT plus bupropion (n = 244) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incidence n (%)b | Incidence n (%)b | Incidence n (%)b | |
| Disturbed sleep | 53 (12.7) | 125 (30.6)c | 76 (31.1)d |
| Vivid dreams | 30 (7.2) | 22 (5.4) | 12 (4.9) |
| Skin irritation | 30 (7.2)c,d | 11 (2.7) | 8 (3.3) |
| Sore throat/mouth | 29 (6.9) | 31 (7.6) | 22 (9.0) |
| Headache | 18 (4.3) | 44 (10.8)c | 21 (8.6)d |
| Bad taste | 16 (3.8) | 26 (6.4) | 13 (5.3) |
| Irritation/agitation | 16 (3.8) | 17 (4.2) | 18 (7.4) |
| Constipation | 15 (3.6) | 24 (5.9) | 14 (5.7) |
| Nasal irritation | 13 (3.1)c | 3 (0.7) | 3 (1.2) |
| Dry mouth | 10 (2.4) | 52 (12.7)c | 30 (12.3)d |
| Nausea | 9 (2.2) | 24 (5.9)c | 21 (8.6)d |
| Dizziness/lightheaded | 5 (1.2) | 22 (5.4)c | 14 (5.7)d |
| Low mood/depression | 2 (0.5) | 17 (4.2)c | 8 (3.3) |
| Chest pain | 2 (0.5) | 9 (2.2)c | 5 (2.0) |
| Disorientated/confusion | 2 (0.5) | 7 (1.7) | 7 (2.9)d |
| Loss of appetite | 1 (0.2) | 7 (1.7)c | 6 (2.5)d |
| Anxiety/panic | 1 (0.2) | 12 (2.9)c | 5 (2.0) |
a
Symptoms reported significantly more in comparisons or by at least 5% of participants in any treatment group, ordered by incidence in nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) cohort.
b
Self-rated as moderate or severe in intensity at any time throughout treatment.
c
Treatment with higher incidence, bupropion versus NRT (χ2, P < 0.05).
d
Treatment with higher incidence, combination versus NRT (χ2, P < 0.05).