Stop Smoking Medication, Drugs, and Pills

Chantix: Also known as Champix, is manufactured by Pfizer. Chantix helps smokers quit via oral administration of once-a-day 1mg and 0.5mg tablets. The tabs help to reduce nicotine cravings by stimulating the nicotine receptors in the brain. The active ingredient is Varenicline Tartrate and is a FDA approved treatment, available by prescription in the United States. Chantix is not recommended for children, women who are pregnant or breast feeding.

Side Effects:

• Nausea


• Headache


• Abnormal dreams


• Dizziness


• Dry mouth


• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)


• Sleepiness


• Change in taste


• Disturbances of the gut such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, indigestion, flatulence


• Airway infections


• Changes in appetite


• Increased blood pressure


• Increased urination


• Awareness of your heart beat (palpitations)


• Tremor


• Restlessness


• Skin reactions such as rash or itching


• Chest pain


• Changes in sex drive


• Mood swings

Two types of anti-smoking pills:

Anxiolytics: Anxiety is a symptom of nicotine withdrawal, and Anxiolytics counteract this. In addition to this, anxiolytic drugs increase the quantity of dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain, which appear to be in lower levels when addicted to nicotine.

Antidepressants: Depression can all so be a symptom of smoking cessation. Nicotine is an antidepressant due to it's ability to release endorphins into the blood. therefore, antidepressants may help in reducing the depression that can ensue when trying to stop smoking.

Drugs:

Clonidine - Initially designed for hypertension, it's impact on the central nervous system (the brain) may reduce the symptoms of withdrawal. Side effects include significant sedation and low blood pressure.

Mecamylamine - A nicotine antagonist that blocks the nicotine's effect on the body. Constipation is a common side effect of this medication.

Stop Smoking Patches:

These stop smoking aids work by the transdermal method, delivering a slow release of nicotine to your system by applying a patch to the skin once per day. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, skin irritation, and rapid heartbeat.

Stop Smoking Chewing Gum:

Nicotine gum contains a nicotine compound called nicotine polacrilex, that is slowly released into your system. Chew the gum slowly until the taste becomes strong. then rest it in your mouth between teeth and your gums. After the taste fades, start chewing until the taste is strong again, then rest. Use no more than 15 pieces of 4mg nicotine gum, or 25 pieces of 2mg gum per day. Be sure to follow the directions on the package.

Side effects of nicotine gum:

• Tingling sensation on the tongue


• Hiccups


• Mouth ulcers, or a sore mouth


• Indigestion

There are many ways to stop smoking, just as there are many individual tastes and preferences in quitting. You can try as many methods that you need to in order to get yourself off of the nicotine addiction. It is totally your call to decide when you are ready, by using any of the medications, drugs, or pills available to help you quit.

by Barb Hicks RN