Capsule Commentary on Anthenelli et al., Predictors of Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events with Smoking Cessation Medications in the Randomized Controlled EAGLES Trial

Excerpt

Psychiatric symptoms are more common among individuals who smoke than among the general population,¹ and are of potential concern to clinicians when patients attempt to quit. This study by Anthenelli et al.,² a secondary analysis based on data from their large Evaluating Adverse Events in a Global Smoking Cessation Study (EAGLES) trial,³ examined predictors of moderate to severe neuropsychiatric significant adverse events (NPSAEs) with smoking cessation medications. Smokers with and without a history of psychiatric disorders were examined separately. Results showed that NPSAEs were higher among those with a history of psychiatric disorders, and that in both cohorts prior suicidal ideation, current anxiety symptoms, and White race increased the risk. Among those with a history of psychiatric disorders, female sex, younger age, and greater nicotine dependence severity were also predictive of a NPSAE. …