Smoking Cessation and Psychiatric Medications

Medication Interactions

• Varenicline is contraindicated in patients with brain metastases due to seizure risk, but not contraindicated with any psychiatric medication, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1, 2
• Bupropion is contraindicated in patients with seizure disorders, including those with brain metastases or stroke history, and those taking MAO inhibitors, as stated by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 1, 2, 4
• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that nicotine replacement therapy has no contraindications related to psychiatric medications and is well-tolerated even when patients continue smoking during treatment 1, 2

Clinical Guidance

• The American College of Cardiology is not mentioned in this article, however, The Lancet Psychiatry suggests that smoking cessation should still be encouraged in patients on clozapine with appropriate medication management 5