Update on pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death, and smoking cessation is the only way to reduce the risk of developing and dying from smoking-related diseases. The binding of nicotine to alpha 4 beta 2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the ventral tegmental area causes transmission of signals to nuclear accumbens, where neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, are released. Euphoric feelings and satisfaction acquired due to the released neurotransmitters make smokers reach for a cigarette once again after a short while, thereby completing a repeating cycle of addiction. Medications for smoking cessation, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, and varenicline, are designed to cope with nicotine addiction. NRT provides nicotine to ameliorate withdrawal symptoms, and all forms of NRT are equally effective in smoking cessation than placebo. Bupropion, originally developed as an antidepressant, decreases craving, leading to smoking cessation, which makes it one of the first-line drugs for smoking cessation. Many studies have shown that varenicline is the most effective agent for smoking cessation. No significant long-term adverse events have been reported for NRT, bupropion, or varenicline. However, bupropion should not be used in patients with an increased risk for seizure.