Pharmacology · single question
Which pharmacotherapy is BEST for smoking cessation?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Varenicline (Chantix)
Varenicline (Chantix) has the HIGHEST quit rates of all smoking cessation pharmacotherapies. It is a partial agonist at the alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor — reducing nicotine cravings AND blocking pleasurable effects of nicotine. Clinical trials show varenicline is superior to NRT and bupropion (approximately 2x the quit rate of placebo).
- A. Incorrect. NRT is effective but varenicline shows higher quit rates in head-to-head trials.
- B. CORRECT. Varenicline is the most effective single pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation — first-line with highest evidence-based quit rates.
- C. Incorrect. Bupropion is effective but inferior to varenicline in direct comparisons.
- D. Incorrect. Behavioral counseling alone is less effective than combined pharmacotherapy + behavioral interventions.