Using Medications to Quit Smoking (Nicoderm, Chantix and Zyban)

Ok, you've tried going cold turkey and that didn't work, did it? It's time to bring in the big guns - drugs. For most people, this will be the only way that they can quit smoking. In fact, according to the National Institue of Health, using one of these treatments could double your chances of quitting smoking. Talk to your doctor before trying one of the medications listed on this page. Although the FDA has stated that these are safe there are side effects to some and only your doctor knows your makeup and can assist you with this endeavor.

 

Most of these medications don't require a prescription and can be found at almost any drugstore but there are at least two that will require a prescription. All of the medications fall into one of two categories - Nicotine Replacement Therapies and Others (not a good name we know).

Chantix and Zyban

Let's talk about the "Others" category first. Both of the medications listed below require a prescription but they probably hold the most promise in getting you to quit. So....in no particular order....

   
   
Chantix

Chantix is a promising new drug. The makers of Chantix claim that the chances of quitting smoking are highest when using Chantix. Chantix hasn't been around long enough to confirm or refute that claim, but Chantix does look very promising. Chantix works by reducing the 'pleasure' of smoking by working on the parts of the brain that would be associated with smoking. Without that pleasure, the desire to smoke will no longer be there and viola, you're not smoking.

Of course, it's not quite that simple, there are side effects with Chantix.
   
   
Zyban

Zyban is a prescription anti-depressant that reduces the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. It's important to note that Zyban does not contain nicotine. This is important as it eliminates the concern of a nicotine overdose that you have to worry about with some of the other medications. What Zyban attempts to do is act on chemicals in the brain that are associated with the nicotine craving. Research shows that you can double your chances of success when you quit smoking with the aid of Zyban.

There are some side effects associated with Zyban that vary from minor (dry mouth, headaches and sleeping difficulty) to side effects that are more serious. The more serious side effects include seizures or heart attacks if Zyban is mixed with other medications such as heart medicine. Of course, not everyone who is on these medications experience these side effects so please consult your doctor beforehand.
   

 

Nicotine Replacement Therapies

For those of you that have tried going cold turkey, you know what you go through when you first stop smoking: dull, edgy and basically just miserable. That's your body nagging you for more nicotine. Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) job is to provide you with the nicotine so that you can get off of the cigarettes and slowly get off of the nicotine.

One common question when first deciding to use a NRT is when to start- while I'm still smoking or once I quit? The quick answer to that question is that you should not use any NRT while still smoking. Too much nicotine can affect your heart so it's best to quit smoking and then begin using a NRT that day.

The other question that gets asked is, are there people that shouldn't use NRT? Again, the short answer is that people with heart or circulatory diseases can use NRT but with a doctor's supervision. However, pregnant women should steer clear of NRTs. There just isn't a long enough timeframe to determine the risks of these on the fetus (of course, the fetus isn't benefiting when the mother smokes either, but we digress).

   
Nicoderm is a nicotine patch. Nicoderm gives a measured dose of nicotine through the skin. Although there are varying types and strengths, the usual procedure is to start with a full-strength patch that is used daily for 4 weeks and then switch to a weaker patch for another 4 weeks. Side effects can include skin irritation, dizziness, racing heartbeat, headache and nausea. If you experience any of these it may be because the dose of nicotine is too high for you. Nicoderm has proven very effective in quitting smoking.
   
   
Nicorette
Nicorette is nicotine gum. Nicotine gum is usually recommended to be used for 6 to 12 weeks with a max of 6 months. The main thing to worry about with the nicotine gum is getting a dependence on the gum itself. 15 to 20% of gum users keep using the gum for a year or longer. If you find that you are in this group, please let your doctor know about this and they can assist you.