Smoking cessation 1: Pharmacological treatments

In part I of this 3-part review of interventions for tobacco dependence, the authors present evidence regarding the efficacy of pharmacological treatments for smoking cessation.(1) They also present evidence and recommendations included in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: Clinical Practice Guideline (the Guideline), evidence from studies published after the Guideline, and recommendations of their own. The authors review nicotine replacement therapies, antidepressants, and other pharmacotherapies, followed by pharmacological treatments for special populations. The evidence indicates that a variety of effective smoking cessation medications are available. First-line medications include nicotine replacement therapies and bupropion. Pharmacotherapy is a vital component of smoking cessation interventions and should be offered to all smokers who want to quit unless contraindicated. There is a need for further research on pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation, and the authors discuss key areas for future research.