Which group of medications has shown limited effectiveness for adolescents compared to adults?

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) has been shown to have limited effectiveness for adolescents compared to adults. The differences in response may be attributed to developmental factors, including varying levels of nicotine dependence and neurobiological differences in the adolescent population. Adolescents often have different psychosocial factors influencing their tobacco use and cessation efforts, which can affect the overall success rate of interventions like NRT.

Research indicates that while adults may successfully utilize NRT to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, adolescents may not experience the same benefits. They might require tailored interventions that take their unique developmental stages and motivations into account.

In contrast, medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram show promise and have been more commonly studied in both adults and adolescents, making them more effective in treating issues such as alcohol dependence or addiction when used appropriately.