From the Guidelines
Recommended treatments for vaping cessation include a combination of behavioral support and medication therapy, with varenicline being the most effective medication option, as shown in a 2023 study 1. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a first-line option, available as patches (21mg, 14mg, or 7mg for a 10-12 week tapering course), gum (2mg or 4mg, used when craving occurs), lozenges, inhalers, or nasal sprays. Prescription medications like varenicline (Chantix, typically 0.5mg daily for 3 days, then 0.5mg twice daily for 4 days, followed by 1mg twice daily for 12-24 weeks) or bupropion (Zyban, 150mg daily for 3 days, then 150mg twice daily for 7-12 weeks) can also be effective. Combining NRT products (like using patches for baseline control plus gum for breakthrough cravings) often improves success rates. Behavioral support through counseling, support groups, or quit lines (1-800-QUIT-NOW) significantly enhances medication effectiveness, as noted in a 2015 study 1. Mobile apps and text message programs can provide additional support, such as SmokefreeTXT, which can be accessed by texting the word QUIT to 47848 from a mobile phone, as recommended in a 2015 policy statement 1. These approaches work by addressing both the physical nicotine addiction and psychological dependence, making the cessation process more manageable by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings while developing coping strategies for triggers. Key resources for smoking cessation include the National Cancer Institute's website (Smokefree.gov) and the Asian Smokers’ Quitline, which offers telephone counseling and printed self-help materials, as described in a 2023 guideline 1. Overall, a comprehensive approach that combines medication and behavioral support is the most effective way to achieve vaping cessation, as supported by the evidence from studies such as 1, 1, and 1.
Some key points to consider when implementing a vaping cessation plan include:
- The importance of combining behavioral support with medication therapy
- The effectiveness of varenicline as a medication option
- The value of quit lines, such as 1-800-QUIT-NOW, and mobile apps, such as SmokefreeTXT
- The need for a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and psychological dependence.
By following these guidelines and using the most effective treatments, individuals can increase their chances of successfully quitting vaping and improving their overall health and well-being, as noted in studies such as 1 and 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Varenicline is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist indicated for use as an aid to smoking cessation treatment.
The FDA drug label does not answer the question about vaping cessation treatment, it only discusses smoking cessation.
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Recommended Treatments for Vaping Cessation
The following treatments are recommended for vaping cessation:
- Pharmacological interventions, such as combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), cytisine, and varenicline 2
- Behavioural interventions, such as reducing nicotine concentration and vaping behaviour, and text message-based interventions 2
- Combination of pharmacological and behavioural interventions
Pharmacological Interventions
Pharmacological interventions that have been studied for vaping cessation include:
- Combination NRT: may have a possible benefit, but the evidence is very low-certainty due to imprecision and risk of bias 2
- Cytisine: did not report vaping cessation rates at six months or longer 2
- Varenicline: increased vaping cessation rates at six months, but the evidence is low-certainty due to imprecision 2
Behavioural Interventions
Behavioural interventions that have been studied for vaping cessation include:
- Reducing nicotine concentration and vaping behaviour: may increase vaping cessation compared to minimal support, but the evidence is very low-certainty due to imprecision and risk of bias 2
- Text message-based interventions: may increase vaping cessation rates compared to control in 13- to 24-year-olds, but the evidence is low-certainty due to indirectness 2
Comparison to Smoking Cessation Interventions
Similar interventions have been studied for smoking cessation, including:
- NRT, bupropion, and varenicline, which have been shown to improve the chances of quitting 3
- Combination NRT and varenicline, which are equally effective as quitting aids 3
- Nortriptyline, which also improves the chances of quitting 3
Evidence-Based Approach
An evidence-based approach to vaping cessation recommends: