Nicotine replacement therapy (NRTs), such as patches and gums, as well as the antidepressant bupropion and another drug varenicline, all improve smokers’ chance of quitting.
A meta-analysis by the Cochrane Library shows the use of a single NRT or bupropion gave smokers an 80% chance of successfully quitting. Varenicline increased chances of quitting by two and three times compared to a placebo.
Cytisine, a drug similar to varenicline, has also shown success in smoking cessation. It is currently only licensed as a treatment in Eastern Europe, but this could soon change as it has the potential to be an affordable and effective therapy.
Read more at The Cochrane Library