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Varenicline, bupropion, cytisine
Three prescription medications have solid evidence for helping people quit nicotine. These guides explain how each one works, who they suit, and how to talk to a prescriber about getting one.
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The three prescription medications with real evidence for helping people quit nicotine. How each drug works, who they suit, side effects, and how to talk to a prescriber about them.
11-minute read
Varenicline, bupropion, cytisine.
The evidence-based explainer for varenicline: how it blocks nicotine at the receptor, the 12-week dosing schedule, side effects and what to expect week by week.
Updated July 25, 2026
How bupropion works for cessation, the 7-12 week dosing schedule, side effects, contraindications, and when it is a better fit than varenicline.
Updated July 25, 2026
Cytisine is a partial nicotinic agonist similar to varenicline but far cheaper. How it works, the 25-day standard schedule, side effects, and where it is available.
Updated July 25, 2026
A side-by-side table of the evidence-based cessation medications: effect size, cost, side effects, contraindications, and how to choose based on your quit history.
Updated July 25, 2026
Meds vs cold turkey, meds vs NRT.
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