Half of all smokers will die from a smoking-related illness, says the American Cancer Society. Although facts like this may encourage people to try to quit, many have difficulty doing so. Many people have to try to quit multiple times before they are successful. Using smoking cessation products may provide people with the edge they need to successfully quit smoking once and for all.
Function
Approximately 70 percent to 90 percent of people say they do not want to give up cigarettes due to nicotine withdrawal symptoms, according to the American Cancer Society. Using nicotine replacement products and smoking cessation medications can ease the discomfort of these withdrawal symptoms and lessen the urge to smoke. This increases the likelihood that a person will quit smoking for good.
Types
Two main types of smoking cessation products include medications and nicotine replacement products. Approved medications for smoking cessation are bupropion and varenicline. Nicotine replacement products include over-the-counter items, such as the nicotine patch, gum and lozenges and prescription products, including the nicotine inhaler and nasal spray.
Time Frame
The length of time a person will need a smoking cessation product will vary depending upon the individual person and specific circumstance. The Mayo Clinic states people often use nicotine replacement products and medications for approximately 12 weeks, but can use the products longer to prevent a smoking relapse with a doctor's permission. The National Cancer Institute states that there has not been any harmful effects associated with long-term use of a nicotine replacement product.
Doctors will usually recommend patients begin taking smoking cessation medications approximately one week before quitting smoking, explains the Mayo Clinic. However, people should not begin using nicotine replacement products until they have put out their last cigarette, according to American Cancer Society.
Considerations
Although smoking cessation products can increase the likelihood of smoking cessation success, each product has its own specific risks and side effects. While serious side effects are rare, the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, warns that people should carefully consider them before using any smoking cessation product. People should discuss specific risks with a doctor, even when considering over-the-counter products.
In addition, people quitting smoking should consider participating in a smoking cessation program while using a smoking cessation product. Combining these two methods is more effective than doing either by itself, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hospitals, doctor offices and local chapters of organizations, including the National Cancer Institute or the American Cancer Society, can provide information about local programs and support groups. For those who do not wish to participate face-to-face, telephone counseling and online programs may be good alternatives.
Warning
The medications bupropion and varenicline come with a black-box warning from the FDA. This warning states that using these medications may cause hostile behavior, changes in mental state or suicidal thoughts or tendencies. People with a history of mental illness should avoid these medications completely, and everyone else should discuss these risks thoroughly with a doctor before deciding if this course of action is right for them.
