A 36 year-old man with a 30 pack-year smoking history wants to quit. Which drug is appropriate for him?

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a suitable medication for this patient seeking to quit smoking due to its dual action as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor and its effectiveness as a smoking cessation aid. Bupropion helps by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with nicotine addiction. This medication is specifically approved for smoking cessation and has been shown in clinical studies to increase the likelihood of quitting compared to a placebo.

In contrast, while amitriptyline, fluoxetine, and venlafaxine are antidepressants, they are not specifically indicated for smoking cessation. Amitriptyline is primarily used for conditions like depression and anxiety, and while it may have some off-label use in managing withdrawal symptoms, it is not a first-line treatment for smoking cessation. Fluoxetine and venlafaxine are also primarily used for depression and anxiety disorders, without a strong evidence base supporting their use for quitting smoking. Hence, bupropion stands out as the most appropriate and effective option for this patient's goal of stopping smoking.