What smoking cessation medications are available?
Nicotine for NRT is available by prescription as an inhaler or nasal spray (Nicotrol Inhaler and Nicotrol NS). These other forms of delivery of nicotine seem to work as well as the nicotine patches or gum. Bupropion hydrochloride (Zyban, Wellbutrin) is a medication that is used primarily for treating depression. This drug, however, also has been found to be effective in helping people to quit smoking. Bupropion is a selective catecholamine (norepinephrine and dopamine) reuptake inhibitor. It has only a small effect on serotonin reuptake. It does not inhibit MAO.
