Updated January 20, 2015.

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

Definition:

Pharmacotherapy is the treatment of a disease or drug addiction through the use of pharmaceuticals.

Pharmacotherapy for nicotine dependence includes some forms of nicotine replacement therapy and prescription drugs such as Zyban (buproprion hydrochloride) or Chantix (varenicline tartrate).

See also:

• Quit Smoking Aids

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy Choices

• Zyban Information

• Chantix Information