Medicinal treatments for nicotine dependence generally fall into three categories: nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), nicotine receptor agonists, and neurotransmitter regulators. In NRT, nicotine is administered to the patient through transdermal patches, gum, nasal sprays, or other sources. The goal is to progressively reduce the amount of nicotine provided to the patient until they are able to successfully discontinue nicotine use entirely. Several medications are also available for the treatment of nicotine dependence. Pharmacological options include varenicline and cytisine, partial agonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and buproprion, an antidepressant that regulates dopamine and norepinephrine release and reuptake. As with the MOR agonists used for treating opioid dependence, nicotine receptors agonists reduce withdrawal and craving experienced during smoking cessation and improve patient success rate.
