In the current pharmaceutical industry, there are several available quit smoking aids; roughly divided into nicotine replacement products (NRP) and non-nicotine products. The different products are used to stop smoking and each carrying with it their own pros and cons. The comparison of the different cessation aids are summarized below

Drug treatments address the biochemical aspects of smoking, and there are different stop smoking pills available on the market. In order to appreciate the success rate of these pills, we need to deduct the “natural” rate of smoking cessation (which is about 1.5–3% a year). Bearing this in mind, the rate of 15-20% quoted in different studies is significant in concluding the effectiveness of pills and medication in helping people quit smoking. (Hatziandreu, 1990). NRPs like nicotine patches, gum and inhalers which are discussed elsewhere. Below are the different non-nicotine anti-smoking pills found in pharmacies.

Chantix is designed specifically to target nicotine receptors in the brain and block nicotine from attaching to your brain by binding to the receptors themselves. Although Chantix does not contain nicotine, it still excites the receptors and generates up to 60% of the dopamine levels of nicotine. This quit smoking drug is similar to ‘nicotine replacement therapy’ (NRT) which in theory help smokers stop by providing an alternate source of nicotine but at a reduced amount.