Compared with nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion, varenicline has what quit rates?

Compared with nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion, varenicline has what quit rates?

• A. Worse quit rates than NRT or bupropion
• B. No difference in quit rates
• C. Better quit rates than NRT or bupropion
• D. Not studied

Answer: (C)

Varenicline tends to yield better quit rates than nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion because it acts as a partial agonist at the brain’s alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors. This dual action reduces withdrawal and cravings while also blocking nicotine’s rewarding effects if the person smokes. In randomized trials directly comparing these medications, quit rates at end of treatment and at follow-up (around 6 months) are higher with varenicline than with NRT or bupropion. Meta-analyses across multiple studies consistently show varenicline as more effective for sustained smoking cessation.

Varenicline tends to yield better quit rates than nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion because it acts as a partial agonist at the brain’s alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors. This dual action reduces withdrawal and cravings while also blocking nicotine’s rewarding effects if the person smokes. In randomized trials directly comparing these medications, quit rates at end of treatment and at follow-up (around 6 months) are higher with varenicline than with NRT or bupropion. Meta-analyses across multiple studies consistently show varenicline as more effective for sustained smoking cessation.