The latest pharmacotherapy options for smoking cessation is a medication called Chanatix (aka varenicline).  It is a “partial” nicotine agonist, in that it binds to nicotine receptors, but stimulates them less than nicotine.  This partial nicotine effect helps quitters ease away from withdrawal symptoms.  What is nice is that having the drug on board also blocks some of the pleasurable effects of nicotine, if patients smoke. 

Compared to Zyban, Chantix seems to work just as well.  Long term success rates of these medications are still, unfortunately, low.  To use this medication, patients start Chantix a week before their prospective quitting date.  The dose is increased over these days up to an effective level and then taken for between 12 to 24 weeks.  About one-third of patients will complain of nausea, and the dose then has to be decreased to a tolerable level.  Although Chantix is not inexpensive ($2/tablet), it is cheaper than a pack of cigarettes. 

Quitters require support beyond pharmacotherapy if they are to actually quit for good.  Enrolling in a good smoking cessation program should be advised.
(
Prescriber’s Letter 2006; 13(8):48.)

Comment.  I don’t know how many school nurses are involved in their school district’s Staff Wellness programs.   If you are, this is good information to have.  – H.T.