[Smoking cessation with the nicotine patch].

Smoking cessation programs have become much more effective since the transdermal nicotine delivery system is available. Nicotine patches are well tolerated, have little side-effect and reduce the withdrawal symptoms of nicotine abstinence. Short- and long-term abstinence rates increase when nicotine patches are combined with behavioral therapy. This paper reports current scientific literature on placebo-controlled trials and gives treatment advices for smoking cessation using nicotine patches by general practitioners. Although nicotine patches are now available in Germany without prescription, therapeutic support by physicians, pharmacists or psychologists is indispensable for successful smoking cessation.