Lobeline and Reduction of Cigarette Smoking

Abstract

An empirical and logical analysis of research employing lobeline sulfate in reducing cigarette smoking raises serious doubts as to the utility of this chemical “nicotine substitute.” An experiment is also described in which predominantly college-aged volunteers desiring to stop smoking were given either specially prepared troches containing 0.5 mg. lobeline or placebos in a double-blind design. Neither during treatment nor during an immediately following post-treatment period did the drug achieve greater gains than the placebo. Correlational and other analyses of psychological data suggest that the local throat irritation commonly regarded as a side-effect of lobeline lozenges actually plays a central role in discouraging smoking in those persons motivated to continue sucking the lozenges. Suggestions are also offered as to procedures that might prove useful in maintaining treatment gains, whether drug-produced or part of the familiar placebo effect.