니코틴의존의 약물치료

Pharmacotherapy of Nicotine Dependence

Despite the short history of pharmacotherapeutic approaches in nicotine dependence, numerous medications were developed and stand as significant clinical advances. In this review, the biological mechanisms, therapeutic usages, and results of meta-analyses in nicotine dependence will be discussed for medications such as nicotine replacement therapy agents, bupropion SR, varenicline, etc. First of all, the diverse formulations of nicotine replacement therapy agents and their properties are summarized. Clinical ap-plication methods of nicotine gum, patch, and lozenge will be explained. Specific features and cautions of bupropion SR and newly-developed varenicline will also be dealt with. Novel candidate agents for nicotine dependence under clinical trials will be mentioned with brief descriptions about the pharmacological mechanisms involved.