Does Smoking E-cigarettes Result in Seizures? A Review

Background: Tobacco smoking is a worldwide health problem and also one of the leading causesof premature deaths in last years. Smoking cessation is now a matter of concern and recentresearches have focused on cessation strategies with attention to pharmacotherapy and behavioralcounseling. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), varenicline and bupropion are considered asfirst-line FDA-approved pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation.Method: This writing is an overview of researches published in Pubmed database from ۲۰۱۲ to۲۰۲۲ with “Varenicline” and “Bupropion” as key words. Among the researches that were found,۲۴ articles were selected which mainly focused on comparison of these two medicines.Results: Varenicline and bupropion are known as non-nicotinic pharmacotherapy and have beenused in addition to nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation. Varenicline is partialagonist for α۴β۲ nicotinic acetyl choline receptors while bupropion, classified as an atypicalantidepressant, is actually a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Although thesetreatments can result in some adverse effects including nausea, insomnia, anxiety, irritability,fatigue and abnormal dreams, their efficacy in reduction of craving and also maintenance ofabstinence is well been studied and approved by FDA. Moreover, adverse effects are usually mildto moderate clinical symptoms which can be tolerated and also easily managed and prevented incases.Conclusion: The efficacy and tolerability of varenicline and bupropion as treatments for smokingcessation is well understood. However, studies have shown that varenicline seems to be moreeffective in maintaining of abstinence and also reducing craving than bupropion and nicotinereplacement therapy (NRT).

Keywords:

E-Cigarettes , Vaping , Seizures , Adolescence.