Asenapine’s unique advantage is its availability in both sublingual and transdermal patch formulations, making it useful for patients who cannot or prefer not to swallow pills.

Donepezil is the cholinesterase inhibitor with the longest track record and with which we have the most experience. It is generally considered the first-line agent for dementia. Though not a cure, it delays dementia progression by six to 12 months.

Loxapine is being rediscovered as a well-tolerated first-generation antipsychotic (FGA).

Galantamine has no appreciable benefit over donepezil; however, its availability in a liquid formulation is helpful for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills.

Aducanumab is an antibody that attacks and dissolves the amyloid protein that is thought to contribute to Alzheimer’s dementia. 

Varenicline is the most effective tobacco cessation medication.

Nicotine patches are a first-line intervention in patients who are able to quit smoking at initiation of treatment and who are regular and constant smokers.

The idea of nasal administration of nicotine is appealing in that it more closely approximates the time course of plasma nicotine levels observed after cigarette smoking than other dosage forms; however, the high cost and unpleasant side effects make this difficult to recommend as a first-line treatment, especially since no one form of nicotine replacement therapy has been shown to be more effective than another.

Inhaled nicotine is expensive and can cause unpleasant side effects, both of which make this form of nicotine replacement therapy difficult to recommend as a first-line option since no single therapy has been shown to be more effective than another.

First-line intervention for those patients who can stop smoking at initiation of therapy; nicotine in the form of gum or lozenge may act as a substitute oral activity, which may aid in behavior modification.