Quit smoking online: NRT, varenicline, bupropion
Smoking cessation is one of the highest-leverage telehealth interventions per dollar. The medications work, the behavioral support helps, and the cost (~$50-100/month for a program) is paid back in months by the cigarettes you don't buy.
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First-line medications
Varenicline (Chantix) is the most effective single drug — ~30-35% 6-month abstinence in trials. Side effects (nausea, vivid dreams) are real but usually manageable. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) has ~20% abstinence, useful in patients with depression history. Both are telehealth-prescribable.
Nicotine replacement therapy
Patches (long-acting baseline), gum/lozenges (short-acting rescue), combination NRT (patch + gum) outperforms either alone. Inhalers and nasal sprays exist but are uncommon. Available OTC at most pharmacies. Telehealth programs bundle them with coaching.
Combination therapy
Varenicline + NRT or bupropion + NRT outperform single agents. Most telehealth quit programs offer combination from week 1, with the medication and the patches included in the monthly fee.
Behavioral support
Quitline counseling, app-based programs, and weekly coaching add 5-10 percentage points to medication-alone success rates. Good programs include this. Cheap ones don't.