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About Prescription Stop-Smoking Aids

Cigarette smoking is a common and extremely addictive process due to the presence of nicotine. There are several prescription aids that can be used to help reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

  1. History

    • A cigarette is made from a small tube of cured tobacco leaves and other bits of tobacco, often with other additives, which are then smoked. The addictiveness of smoking stems from the compound nicotine, which is a chemical with psychoactive effects. Many cigarettes have reconstituted tobacco within them, which makes the nicotine more volatile and increases the addictiveness.

    Features

    • There are many prescription medications and treatments that can help reduce the nicotine cravings associated with smoking. The most directly acting are the nicotine nasal sprays and oral inhalers. These can help prevent the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, which include anxiety, irritability and cravings. Nasal sprays and inhalers have been shown to be more effective when used with a nicotine patch.

    Types

    • Another non-nicotine option is Zyban, an antidepressant shown to reduce nicotine cravings. Zyban may need to be taken for at least a week before the cravings diminish, as it gives the drug time to start affecting your body. Zyban, on average, is used for 7 to 12 weeks for people who are looking to stop smoking. Another drug that does not use nicotine is Chantix. Chantix works by reducing the positive feelings that are experienced when smoking nicotine, thus reducing the pleasure gained from smoking. It may also help with withdrawal symptoms. Typical Chantix use is a course of 12 weeks of taking the medication, with another 12-week course after the individual has quit smoking.

    Warning

    • The different medications all come with their own side effects. Nasal sprays and oral inhalers can cause nose, throat, and sinus irritation and make some users cough. Zyban can lead to dry mouth and insomnia. Chantix can also cause insomnia, as well as nausea and changes in mood.

    Considerations

    • All prescription stop-smoking aids are most effective when combined with a nicotine patch. In addition, many people who are looking to stop smoking are helped by various counseling programs and support groups to help with the psychological aspects of smoking as well as the physical withdrawal symptoms. Smoking while taking any prescription stop smoking aid can lead to dangerous side effects, including a rapid heartbeat, anxiety and elevated blood pressure.

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