Smoking Cessation for Light Smokers: Review

Abstract

Over half a million Portuguese citizens are light smokers, smoking up to ten cigarettes daily, with associated nicotine dependence and an increased risk of smoking-related diseases. With this in consideration, we performed a review of existing evidence regarding the treatment in smoking cessation in light smokers, through a systematic research of studies evaluating and comparing pharmacologic treatment and/or brief intervention in attaining smoking cessation. Six randomized controlled trials were included, which showed that bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy are not more effective than isolated brief intervention, but varenicline is more effective than isolated brief intervention in attaining and maintaining smoking cessation in light smokers for at least six months, so its use can be beneficial in light smokers without contraindications for this drug, with a B-level SORT strength of recommendation.