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To medicate or not to medicate, that is the
question. Is it easier to kick the habit with a little help from pharmaceuticals
or should a smoker simply try to tough it out on their own first?
It really is a personal decision. And even though some
medications are available without a prescription, the decision should
really be made with the help of a health care professional who can
help determine which medication is best.
We've put together a list of medications
along with some info on each. But first, test your knowledge with
the medications quiz.
Medications
Bupropion
- Bupropion hydrochloride, or Zyban, is a pill
that is available only with a prescription.
- Bupropion does not contain nicotine but helps
to decrease nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms by stimulating
the chemicals in the brain affected by nicotine.
- Smokers do not have to stop smoking when they
first start taking Bupropion, but should set a quit date for two
weeks after beginning taking it.
Varenicline
- Varenicline is a prescription-only pill known by the common name Chantix.
- Varenicline does not contain nicotine and acts similarly to Bupropion by reducing nicotine cravings in the brain.
- The medication can be used in cooperation with nicotine replacement.
- There have been some reports of psychological side effects. When using any medications, it is vital to be under careful supervision of a doctor.
Nicotine Replacements
The following approved medications are considered
Nicotine Replacements. With these types of medications, it is important
to stop smoking as soon as one starts and not smoke while using
them. They work by delivering doses of nicotine to help ease cravings
smokers may feel when they quit. The amount of nicotine delivered
is then gradually reduced (by dose or frequency) until the cravings
taper off.
Nicotine Inhaler or Puffer
- Known as Nicotrol, the inhaler is available
only with a prescription and gives the user a dose of nicotine
that is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. Hollow and about
the size of a cigarette, the inhaler is filled with a nicotine
cartridge.
- The inhaler may help with the physical craving
for nicotine and the psychological need to have something in one's
hand or mouth.
- Each "puff" on the inhaler delivers
one dose - it can take around 80 "puffs" to get the
amount of nicotine that is in one cigarette. The inhaler may need
to be used frequently, about 6 cartridges a day, particularly
at the beginning of the quitting process.
Nicotine Spray
- Known as Nicotrol NS, nicotine spray is available
only with a prescription and delivers nicotine through the nasal
membranes of the nose.
- This method of nicotine delivery is quicker
than that experienced with the nicotine gum or inhaler.
- A single spray into each nostril will deliver
one dose and dosages can vary from 8-40 a day.
Nicotine Patch
- There are two types of nicotine patches. Habitrol
or Prostep require a prescription and Nicotrol and Nicoderm CQ
do not.
- Nicotine is delivered in a steady amount throughout
the day through the skin and therefore is slower in its release
than other medications. The patch is available in 16-hour and
24-hour increments.
- The patch is used by applying it to a different
part of the upper body every day. Length of usage varies by person
and can continue from 4 weeks to 3 months.
Nicotine Gum
- Nicotine gum or Nicorette is available without
a prescription and is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
- The user should chew the gum briefly, then
place it between the inside of the cheek and the gum line.
- The user should make sure not to continue to
chew it and swallow the saliva, since the stomach cannot absorb
the nicotine and may result in a nauseated feeling. They should
stop chewing when they have a peppery taste or feel a slight tingling
sensation in the mouth.
- One cannot drink, eat or chew anything else
15 minutes before use of the gum or while it is in the mouth.
Nicotine Lozenge
- The nicotine lozenge is available over-the-counter.
- The lozenge is placed along the gums, where the nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
- A Mayo Clinic study showed that the lozenge is a promising treatment for spit tobacco users.
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