A brief review of pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation.

Author(s): Lam CY, Minnix JA, Robinson JD, Cinciripini PM

Affiliation(s): Department of Behavioral Science - Unit 1330, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, P. O. Box 301439, Houston, TX 77230-1439, USA. cholam@mdanderson.org

Publication date & source: 2006-07, J Natl Compr Canc Netw., 4(6):583-9.

Publication type: Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural ; Review

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Clinical Practice Guidelines have established both nicotine and nonnicotine-based pharmacotherapies as efficacious treatments for smoking cessation. Smokers attempting to quit smoking can significantly increase their chances by using one of several first-line agents, including nicotine transdermal patches, gum, nasal spray, inhalers, tablets, and the antidepressant bupropion. Those who cannot use either bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy because of contraindications or lack of effectiveness may benefit from the second-line treatment nortriptyline. This article also discusses several novel compounds for smoking cessation.