The Facts About Stop Smoking Medication
Written by: Michael Johnson
Smokers that Took Medicine to Kick the Habit Were Two to Three Times More Successful
If you need to quit smoking, there's no better time than right now to learn all you can about the stop smoking medication that is available today. Studies show that smokers who took medicine in addition to their own efforts to kick the habit were two to three times more likely to be successful than those who didn't take any type of medication. While giving up the habit takes more than swallowing a pill, these drugs may be the extra boost you need to finally gain control over your health, and say goodbye to the dangers of smoking.
Stop Smoking Medication Works by Reducing Desire to Smoke
Stop smoking medication works by reducing, or in some cases, even eliminating the desire to smoke as well as helping to control cravings. These particular types of drugs rarely cause any kind of dependency, cause few side effects, and may be used in addition to other methods of quitting smoking. The side effects that may be caused will depend upon the drug, and could include nausea, dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, increased dreaming, or constipation.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Medications known as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) offer an alternative to quitting smoking "cold turkey" and provide a gradual decline in the amount of nicotine in a one's system. Nicotine patches, gums, lozenges, and nasal sprays can be found over-the-counter, but shouldn't be used if you're still smoking.
Prescription Stop Smoking Medication
Varenicline tartrate (Chantix) is a drug prescribed to control cravings and symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. It acts by blocking the effect nicotine has on the cells of the brain, and is said to lower the satisfactory sensation gained from smoking, hopefully increasing the likelihood of quitting.
Varenicline tartrate does not contain any nicotine and isn't known to be addictive. The drug comes in pill form and is taken for anywhere from 12 to 24 weeks. Some side effects of this particular medication may include insomnia or nausea, and shouldn't be taken by people with kidney problems. Of course your doctor will be able to answer any specific questions related to you and your health.
Bupropion (Zyban) is another commonly used stop smoking medication that is also taken to help balance out the chemicals within the brain that are created when going through nicotine withdrawal. This drug is also useful for avoiding the weight gain that's associated with quitting smoking.
Bupropion, also used in the brand named drug Wellbutrin, is also prescribed to treat depression, although it can still be used as a stop smoking medication for those without depression. Other medicines may be prescribed to help with quitting smoking if these or other methods haven't worked and include nortriptyline, which is sold as either Aventyl or Pamelor, and clonidine, whose brand name is Catapres.
Before your doctor prescribes any type of stop smoking medication, you'll be asked to list any non-prescription or over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal remedies or supplements that you may currently be taking. People under the age of 18, those who are breast feeding, or who have a history of seizures, or who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day shouldn't take this type of medication.
