Which smoking cessation interventions work best?

There are many options. Here are your effective options to stop smoking:

  • Nicotine Replacement therapy (like gum and patches): All forms of nicotine replacement therapy increased abstinence rates after 6 months. No one type of nicotine replacement can be suggested over another, as all were equally effective.
  • Buproprion. Average quit rate was 17% versus 6% for placebo at 6 months. Either 150 mg or 300 mg therapy worked well.
  • Nortriptyline. This antidepressant-type medication helped boost quit rate.

Of note, no evidence of improved quit rate with silver acetate, Nicobrevin (a nicotine-free smoking cessation aid), lobeline, or naltrexone.  Also, no high-quality studies showed effectiveness of hypnotherapy, acupressure or acupuncture for smoking cessation.

There are known benefits to counseling—individual, group, telephone session, online sessions. This increases quit rates and decreases relapse (starting smoking again) rates.

1-800-QUIT-NOW

Hope this helps.

About drlesliegreenberg

I have been practicing as a family physician for over 20 years--as both an educator of physicians and clinician. From infancy to the elderly, I perform obstetrics and general medicine. I love my career and am passionate about my field of knowledge and my patients. Follow me on Facebook at Leslie Md Greenberg Medical Disclaimer The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider.
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