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Pharmacology · single question

Nicotine withdrawal during a smoking cessation attempt can have which effect on a patient who also has depression and takes an antidepressant?

  1. The patient's depressive symptoms may worsen during the nicotine withdrawal period
  2. The antidepressant will automatically prevent any worsening of mood during cessation
  3. Smoking cessation has no relationship to mood or depressive symptoms
  4. Depression symptoms always improve immediately upon quitting smoking
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. The patient's depressive symptoms may worsen during the nicotine withdrawal period

Nicotine withdrawal is well-documented to cause or worsen depressive symptoms, irritability, and anxiety during the cessation process — an effect that can occur independent of any underlying antidepressant therapy, and is an important consideration for monitoring and support during a patient's quit attempt, particularly in those with a pre-existing depression history.

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