A: Dr. Michael Fiore, director of the UW Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, says there is no "magic bullet pill" to quit smoking. However, using a combination of medication and coaching can dramatically improve smokers' chances of quitting.

There are seven FDA-approved medications, including five "nicotine replacement" therapies - the patch, gum, lozenge, nasal spray and inhaler. There are also two pills - bupropion (marketed as Zyban and Wellbutrin) and varenicline (marketed as Chantix).

Different products work better for different patients. Fiore is leading a UW-Madison study designed to better delineate which medications doctors should prescribe for which smokers.

For now, he says, research shows nicotine replacement therapies such as the lozenge and inhaler tend to be helpful for urges. Bupropion, an anti-depressant, has been effective for female smokers and smokers with depression.

Varenicline, approved this year, is unique because it blocks some of the rewarding effects of nicotine and also stimulates brain receptors to reduce withdrawal.

"In one UW study, it helped 44 percent of people quit - among the highest success rates ever reported," Fiore says.

Fiore recommends smokers see their doctor to determine which medications are right for them, and to call the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line at 800-784-8669 for free help with planning a quit attempt, quit tips and ongoing support.

Produced in cooperation with University Communications

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