Medications Also Help You Quit Smoking
The majority of medications to help quit smoking fall
into the category of nicotine replacement therapy. These include
medications 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 available
by prescription.
?If you would prefer to use a non-nicotine replacement
medication, you have several options. Bupropion SR is an anti-depressant
prescribed by a doctor. Many people have also found that alternative medicine
helps them with the painful process of withdrawal. No matter which medication
you choose, if any, be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning or
stopping treatment.
1)
Nicotine patch-
A smoker wears a new patch daily on his or her upper
body for eight weeks or longer. The patch passes nicotine into your
system by transferring it from your skin into your bloodstream. Name
brands Nicoderm CQ and Nicotrol are available over-the-counter, while
Habitrol is prescription only. If, after the first week of treatment,
you have still not quit smoking entirely, speak to your doctor about
adjusting the dosage or using additional medication.
2) Nicotine lozenge-
Lozenges dissolve in your mouth and passes nicotine into
your bloodstream through the lining of your mouth. Doses are set at two
milligrams for regular smokers and four milligrams for heavy smokers,
and are recommended to be taken every couple hours for six weeks. After
that point, you can decrease the number of doses through the following
six weeks. The brand name Commit lozenge is available over-the-counter.
3) Nicotine gum-
Like the lozenges, nicotine gum delivers nicotine through the mouth?s
lining. Doses vary between two- and four-milligrams; most users chew between
10 and 15 pieces daily. Nicotine gum should be used for a one- to three-month
period, and is not recommended for longer than six months. Probably the best-known
brand name, Nicorette, is available over-the-counter.
4) Nicotine inhaler-
An inhaler works to satisfy smoking urges, as well as strictly nicotine cravings.
Looking similar to a cigarette holder, the inhaler gives you a chance to
puff, which causes it to give off nicotine vapors. The vapors are
absorbed by the mouth lining and delivered to the bloodstream and,
eventually, the brain. The brand name Nicotrol inhaler is available via
prescription.
5) Nicotine nasal spray-
The nasal spray delivers its effects more quickly than either the gum or the patch.
Nicotine is sprayed directly into the nostrils. After being absorbed by
nasal membranes, the nicotine is passed into the veins and to the heart
and brain. Known as brand name Nicotrol NS, nasal spray is typically
prescribed for three-month periods, to be used for a maximum of six
months.
6) Bupropion SR-
Bupropion SR does not contain nicotine. Rather, this antidepressant increase
dopamine levels in the brain, which is the chemical that is boosted by nicotine.
Bupropion?s side effects include dry mouth, headaches, and sleep disturbance.
Known as brand name Zyban, bupropion must be prescribed by a doctor and
shouldn?t be given to patients with a history of seizures or serious
head trauma. Other antidepressants such as nortriptyline may be an
alternative option.
7) Alternative medicine-
Although alternative medicine exists in many forms, the ones used most often for
quitting smoking are behavior therapy and relaxation techniques. In
behavior therapy, a therapist helps you understand why you smoke,
develop coping skills, and thereby change your behaviors and thoughts.
Relaxation techniques or meditation focus on reducing stress.
Using a medication to quit smoking makes you twice as likely to quit
successfully. The most successful form of treatment of all is the use of
therapy or counseling in conjunction with medication. If you are
thinking about quitting, find out as much as possible about all the
quitting aids available to you through this website and others, and
consult with your health services provider.