Effective Anti-Narcotic Agents for Smoking Cessation: Systematic Review
Review Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31580/ac3zfg93Keywords:
Bupropion SR, Cytisine, E-cigarettes, Tailored strategies, VareniclineAbstract
Nicotine is the primary addictive substance in tobacco, driving smoking behavior through rapid delivery to the brain. While nicotine causes addiction, other harmful components in tobacco lead to serious health issues. Understanding nicotine’s pharmacology and delivery methods is key to developing effective cessation strategies. The objective is to review the pharmacological mechanisms of nicotine addiction and evaluate the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and pharmacotherapies like varenicline and bupropion SR, with a focus on personalized treatment approaches. A systematic literature review (2019–2024) was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. Keywords and truncation strategies identified relevant studies. Out of 100 screened articles, 48 high-quality studies were selected based on journal quality, statistical methods, and clinical relevance. The PRISMA flow diagram guided data selection and synthesis. Strong evidence supports the effectiveness of NRT (patches, gums, sprays, inhalers) and pharmacotherapies (varenicline, bupropion SR, cytisine) in reducing nicotine dependence. Short-acting NRTs help reduce cravings, while patches provide steady nicotine levels. E-cigarettes show promise but vary in safety. Combined treatments and personalized approaches were more effective, especially for high-risk groups like those with psychiatric conditions. It has been concluded that nicotine addiction requires a combination of pharmacological and behavioral interventions. Tailored strategies, guided by pharmacokinetics and patient preferences, are essential to improve quit rates and long-term abstinence.
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