The effect of ephedrine plus caffeine on smoking cessation and postcessation weight gain

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The effect of ephedrine plus caffeine on smoking cessation and postcessation weight gain

Nørregaard et al., 1996 | Clin Pharmacol Ther | Rct

Citation

Nørregaard J, Jørgensen S, ... Jakobsen H B. The effect of ephedrine plus caffeine on smoking cessation and postcessation weight gain. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1996-Dec;60(6):679-86

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a combination of ephedrine and caffeine on smoking cessation rates, postcessation weight gain, and withdrawal symptoms and to examine changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) after smoking cessation. METHODS: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study with a 1-year follow-up period was carried out at the Department of Pulmonary Medicine in Denmark. Study subjects were 225 heavy smokers who wanted to quit smoking without gaining weight. Two-thirds of the subjects were randomized to receive 20 mg ephedrine plus 200 mg caffeine three times a day; one-third of the subjects received placebo treatment. The dosage was gradually decreased from week 12 to discontinuation at week 39. Group support and control were performed at entry and after 1, 3, 6, 12, 26, 39, and 52 weeks. Main outcome measures were (1) self-reported abstinence with validation by carbon monoxide in expired air and serum cotinine and (2) weight gain. RESULTS: The success rates after 1 year were 17% in the group treated with ephedrine plus caffeine and 16% in the group treated with placebo; the success rates were not significantly different at any time. The success rates for the four counseling physicians varied between 7% and 27% after 1 year (p < 0.05). The weight gain was significantly lower in the ephedrine plus caffeine-treated group during the first 12 weeks, but weight gains were similar after 1 year. No differences in the smoking withdrawal symptoms could be observed between the treatment groups. HbA1c was lower 6 weeks and 1 year after smoking cessation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found an effect of this combination of ephedrine and caffeine on weight gain during the first 12 weeks, but we found no effect on the success rates or craving for cigarettes.

Key Findings

The success rates after 1 year were 17% in the group treated with ephedrine plus caffeine and 16% in the group treated with placebo; the success rates were not significantly different at any time. The success rates for the four counseling physicians varied between 7% and 27% after 1 year (p < 0.05). The weight gain was significantly lower in the ephedrine plus caffeine-treated group during the first 12 weeks, but weight gains were similar after 1 year. No differences in the smoking withdrawal sy

Outcomes Measured

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Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Appetite Depressants
  • Blood Glucose
  • Breath Tests
  • Caffeine
  • Carbon Monoxide
  • Central Nervous System Stimulants
  • Cholesterol
  • Cotinine
  • Denmark
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Ephedrine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight Gain

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: ephedra

Provenance

  • PMID: 8988071
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09