Medication Adherence: Why Smokers Don't Take Their Quit Meds—and How to Fix It
NRT and prescription cessation medications are effective—when taken as prescribed. Adherence rates are low. Smokers stop using their patches early, skip doses of varenicline, and abandon their quit plans. Understanding why is key to improving outcomes.
A smoker fills a prescription for varenicline, takes it for a week, experiences vivid dreams (a known side effect), and stops. They don't tell their doctor—they just stop. **Adherence to smoking cessation medication is among the lowest of any therapeutic area. The reasons: side effects (real or anticipated), cost, the belief that medication is 'cheating,' and the lack of follow-up support. Improving adherence—through better side-effect management, follow-up contact, and education—would improve quit rates without developing a single new drug.**
