Best smoking cessation drugs

With a number of new smoking cessation drugs on the market, it can be confusing deciding which one is right for you. Some are very similar in nature but can benefit individuals differently. Recently, the FDA has approved several new smoking cessation drugs. It is best to work with your doctor to find a smoking cessation drug that is right for you. This article offers information on the following:

• Various types of smoking cessation medications
• How they can help you quit smoking
• Why they work
• Where you can purchase medications to help you quit smoking
• What the possible side effects are

What smoking cessation drugs are available?

Within recent years several prescription drug manufacturers have discovered new medications to not only help you stop smoking, but also remain smoke free. These medications vary in nature and should be used under a doctor's instructions. Outlined below are some of the most popular and effective smoking cessation medications.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

• Why it's needed

• Nicotine, an ingredient in tobacco, is physically, psychologically and beha viorally addictive chemical .
• When trying to quit you will likely experience symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
• These symptoms vary from person to person and in nature and severity.
• Most people experience increased irritability, headaches, nausea, cravings and sleep problems.
• The withdrawal symptoms peak within a week but can last for months.
• Just one puff of a cigarette will start the entire withdrawal over again.

• How it works

• Nicotine replacement therapy uses a variety of instruments to safely provide nicotine to the quitting smoker. These include sprays, lozenges, inhalers, gums and patches.
• The nicotine provides a relief from the physical symptoms of withdrawal, allowing you to focus on the psychological and behavior addictions.
• The amount of nicotine is gradually lowered until you are free from all nicotine.
• This method should be used in addition to a complimentary smoking cessation program bec ause it only treats the physical symptoms.

• Precautions or side effects

• It is very important that you follow the packaging instructions. You should not smoke when using any form of nicotine replacement therapy, as you may overdose on nicotine. This can produce severe health complications.
• Dizziness, sore throat, nausea and sleep problems are common, usually mild side effects.

• Where you can purchase smoking cessation products:

• Nicotine Gum: Usually available over the counter at mass retailers and pharmacies, nicotine gum allows the individual flexible dosing. Nicotine gum is not intended to be chewed in the traditional sense, but rather bit and stored in the side of the mouth. Nicorette is a popular for of nicotine gum.
• Nicotine Patch: Nicotine patches, like Nicoderm, are available at mass retailers and pharmacies. There are several varieties of nicotine patches available without a prescription, an d most types use a step method to gradually wean the person off nicotine.
• Nicotine Nasal Spray: Available by prescription only, the nicotine spray immediately relieves systems of nicotine withdrawal. This product can be habit forming and should not be used for longer than 6 months.
• Inhalers: Nicotine inhalers are the closet method of nicotine replacement to actually smoking. Nicotine is dispersed as a vapor when someone inhales from the small cylinder.

• Zyban

What Zyban is

Zyban, also known as Welbutrin, is a nicotine free, extended release antidepressant that lessens the symptoms of withdrawal.

How it works

It regulates the chemicals in the brain that signal nicotine cravings. Zyban is often used in combination with a nicotine replacement therapy for people that have been heavy smokers.

Possible side effects

Agitation, sleep difficulties, headaches, appetite changes, and dry mouth are common side effects.

Where ca n Zyba n be purchased

If you are interested in trying Zyban as part of your smoking cessation program, you should consult with your physician to see if it is right for you.

• Chantix

What Chantix is and how it works

Chantix is a new prescription that helps people cease smoking by targeting the nicotine receptors in the brain, making smoking less pleasurable and decreasing the physical symptoms of withdrawal.

Possible Side Effects

Nausea, sleep difficulties and headaches are common side effects of Chantix.

Where Chantix is available

Since this medication is available by prescription only, it is necessary to consult with your doctor to determine whether Chanitx is appropriate for you.

Another popular aid in the smoking cessation process called a share meter. These quit smoking meters, downloadable from certain websites; help smokers who are trying to quit to share their progress with friends online. Quitting smokers are asked to enter a small a mount of i nformation related to their progress and the computer then generates a custom quit sharing meter for them to display on their website, in signatures or on the desktop.

There are numerous new smoking cessation drugs available to help smokers in their battle to quit smoking. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor to determine which are the best smoking cessation drugs for you.

Related Articles:

Facts on smoking
What can smoke do to a pregnant woman?
Smoking makes bones weaker
Health effects of passive smoking
Anti smoking drug: Wellbutrin

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