New Hope for Mental Illness Patients Quit Smoking

Research suggests that certain medications and non-medication methods can help people with serious mental health conditions quit smoking. A study analyzed data from 74 clinical trials involving over 11,000 participants with schizophrenia, depression, or PTSD. The results showed that two medications, varenicline and bupropion, were more effective than a placebo in helping people with severe mental illness stay smoke-free for the long term. Nicotine replacement therapy was also found to be helpful in quitting smoking short-term, but had little lasting benefit. Combining medication with non-medication methods may also increase success rates.