Bupropion compared with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is which of the following?

• A. More effective
• B. Equally effective
• C. Less effective
• D. Not effective

Answer: (B)

Both therapies are effective options for smoking cessation; head-to-head trials and meta-analyses generally show similar quit rates for bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy, so they are equally effective overall. They work through different mechanisms—NRT provides nicotine to ease withdrawal and cravings, while bupropion acts on brain chemicals to reduce cravings and withdrawal and can help with depressive symptoms. This means the choice often depends on patient factors: a history of depression or weight-concern preferences might steer toward bupropion, whereas delivery method, tolerance, and cardiovascular considerations might steer toward NRT. In many cases, either option can be appropriate, and some patients may even use a combination approach for added benefit.