P1.2 Treatment of nicotine dependence

Treatment of nicotine dependence is effective and should be offered to smokers in addition to counselling (Lancaster et al., 2000) [evidence level I]

Pharmacotherapies for nicotine dependence are effective and should be added to counselling if necessary and in the absence of contraindications (NHLBI/WHO Workshop Report, April 2001) [evidence level I]. Caution is recommended in people with medical contraindications, light smokers (< 10 cigarettes a day) who may become dependent on nicotine replacement therapy, pregnant women and adolescent smokers.(NHLBI/WHO Workshop Report, April 2001) There is no evidence as to which pharmacotherapy should be offered as initial treatment.