A Pharmacological Update and Safety Analysis of Medications for Smoking Cessation: Which Ones to Use?

Interventions to reduce smoking prevalence aim to help patients quit smoking to cut down its hazards and related impairments in human beings. Pharmacological treatments are recommended for those with high levels of addiction because of severe physical and psychological dependence. Use of pharmacotherapy can double the odds of successful quitting. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), drug treatment regimens including nicotinic receptor agonists (varenicline), dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (bupropion), cytisinicline (cytisine), and combination therapy (NRT + medication) can be employed on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, varenicline has been found to be more effective than the other agents in most studies. The most common adverse effects of pharmacological agents include depression, nausea, anxiety, abnormal dreams, and insomnia. On the other hand, electronic cigarettes offer another alternative to aid in smoking cessation (SC). Endurance of SC is mostly related to the employment of combined approaches, such as counselling and pharmacotherapy. This study is designed to provide an up-to-date overview of the contemporary approach to interventions aimed at helping patients in SC.