Effects of doxepin on withdrawal symptoms in smoking cessation

In a double-blind study, 15 cigarette smokers self-monitored 10 withdrawal symptoms. For the first 21 days (baseline), subjects received doxepin hydrochloride, up to 150 mg/day, or inert medication while continuing to smoke. On day 22, they were instructed to stop smoking; medication was continued. Withdrawal symptoms on the first 28 days of treatment (baseline and 7 days of attempted cessation) were analyzed. During cessation, subjects taking doxepin reported significantly less craving for cigarettes. Results from this study and others suggest that antidepressants may attenuate the severity of symptoms during withdrawal from addictive substances.