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Smoking cessation pharmacotherapy — ABIM Board MCQ

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ModerateGeneral Internal MedicineSmoking cessation pharmacotherapyABIM Board

A 52-year-old man smokes 1 pack daily and wants to quit. He has stable depression treated with sertraline and no seizure history. He previously failed nicotine gum. Blood pressure is 126/78 mm Hg. Which of the following would you recommend?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Varenicline with behavioral support

Varenicline is among the most effective smoking cessation medications and can be used with behavioral support in stable psychiatric disease. Combining pharmacotherapy with counseling improves quit rates.

Reference: USPSTF Tobacco Smoking Cessation Recommendation; US Public Health Service Tobacco Guideline