Medications Can Help You Quit Smoking
Anyone who’s tried to free themselves from the smoking habit can tell you how difficult it is. Though support groups are a big help in these difficult times when you are trying to quit smoking, medications can help ease some urges too. The U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved six medications to help you quit smoking. These medications assist you to break your addiction to nicotine and make a smooth transition into a smoke-free life.
The vast majority of medications to help you quit smoking fall into the category of nicotine replacement therapy. These medications are available over the counter in the form of a nicotine patch (also prescription-only, depending on brand), nicotine lozenge, or nicotine gum. Nicotine inhalers and nicotine nasal sprays are also available, but by prescription only.
If you would like to use a non-nicotine replacement medication, you have many options. Bupropion SR is an anti-depressant that is available on prescription. Many people have also discovered that alternative medicine helps them with the painful process of withdrawal. No matter what medication you choose, if any, don’t forget to consult with your doctor before starting or stopping treatment.
Nicotine patch. This is a patch that the smoker wears daily on his or her upper body for eight weeks or more. The patch sends nicotine into your system by transferring it through your skin into your bloodstream. Name brands Nicoderm CQ and Nicotrol are available over-the-counter, while Habitrol is available by prescription only. If, after the first week of treatment, you still haven’t managed to quit smoking entirely, speak to your doctor and adjust the dosage or using additional medication.
Nicotine lozenge. The lozenges dissolve in your mouth and pass nicotine into your bloodstream from the lining of your mouth. Doses are usually set at two milligrams for regular smokers and four milligrams for heavy smokers, and are recommended to be taken every couple hours for a duration of six weeks. After that, you can decrease the number of doses gradually through the next six weeks. The brand name Commit lozenge is available easily over-the-counter.
Nicotine gum. Like the lozenges, nicotine gum also delivers nicotine through the mouth’s lining. Doses vary between two- to four-milligrams; most users will need to chew 10 to15 pieces daily. Nicotine gum needs to be used for a one- to three-month period, and is not advisable for longer than six months. Probably the best-known brand name, Nicorette, is readily available over-the-counter.
Nicotine inhaler. An inhaler works by satisfying smoking urges, as well as strictly suppressing nicotine cravings. It looks like a cigarette holder, and gives you a chance to puff, which causes it to emit nicotine vapors. The vapors are then absorbed by the mouth lining and delivered to the bloodstream and, eventually, the brain. The brand name Nicotrol inhaler is available only via prescription.
Nicotine nasal spray. The nasal spray shows its effects more quickly than either the gum or the patch. This spray works by spraying nicotine directly into the nostrils. After being absorbed by the nasal membranes, the nicotine is passed via the veins to the heart and brain. Known by the brand name Nicotrol NS, nasal spray is typically prescribed for three-month periods, to be used for not more than six months.
Bupropion SR. Bupropion SR contain no nicotine. Rather, this antidepressant increases the levels of dopamine in the brain.This is the chemical that is boosted by nicotine. Bupropion’s side effects include drying of the mouth, headaches, and sleep disturbance. Known by the brand name Zyban, bupropion has to be prescribed by a doctor and should never be given to patients with a history of seizures or serious head trauma. Other antidepressants such as nortriptyline may be given as an alternative.
Alternative medicine. Although alternative medicine exists in a large number of forms, the ones used most commonly for quitting smoking are behavior therapy and relaxation techniques. In behavior therapy, a therapist will help you understand why you smoke, develop coping skills, and hence change your behaviors and thoughts. Relaxation techniques or meditation focus on minimizing stress.
Resorting to medication to quit smoking makes you twice as likely to quit successfully. The most successful form of treatment is the use of therapy or counseling along with medication. If you are considering quitting, find out as much as possible about all the aids available to you through this website and others, and talk to your health services provider.