Medications for smoking cessation

How is smoking related to schizophrenia?

Tobacco smoking is very common among people with schizophrenia, who often show particularly heavy usage. This poses considerable health risks, may interfere with antipsychotic medications and may place a financial burden on the individual. Heavy cigarette use may contribute to the increased mortality and reduced life expectancy reported within the schizophrenia population.

What is the evidence for medications for smoking cessation?

Moderate quality evidence finds medium-sized effects of more smoking cessation with bupropion or varenicline than with placebo, assessed at 3-month follow-up. Varenicline also reduced the number of cigarettes smoked per day and resulted in more abstaining smoking behaviour.

October 2020

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Last updated at: 3:43 am, 31st August 2021
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