Nicotine Dependence: A Case Study

In the first patient, the patient used 32 cigarettes per day with high level of nicotine dependence (Fagerstrom Test of nicotine dependence-FTND = 8) and the exhaled concentration of carbon monoxide (eCO) was about 31 ppm. He dint have any other habits like alcohol consumption. He has participated in 2 to 3 smoking cessation programs in the past for the past 2 to 3 years and couldn’t quit. He was prescribed nicotine patches and bupropion and major depression was also reported. He was under the nicotine dependence and his electronic device was loaded with high concentration of nicotine that is 7.2mg per cartridge. After few weeks after his abstinence his eCO level was found to be 4ppm which considered to be normal range. His relapse occurred after 1 month ,but the only thing that helped him in getting rid was electronic cigarettes and after 2 years in the routine follow up he reported that he has quit the habit and no relapse has occurred with no adverse effects.(1)
She had a history of mild depression and had high dependence on nicotine (FTND = 8). She was prescribed nicotine patches and bupropion. She also was under the nicotine dependence 4 years and 2 years ago and her last relapse was 2 years ago. She has reported that she was under electronic cigarettes that was loaded with the high levels of nicotine that is 7.2mg per cartridge for a few months and uses it during her social events and within a period of 3 months she completely quit the habit along with bupropion. Her abstinence was confirmed when her eCO levels showed to be 2 which is considered to be under normal range. Overall, she well tolerated with mild, dry coughing sometimes.