Smoking is the single most common preventable cause of death. It can harm each and every organ of the body and can cause cancer, heart disease and lung diseases. According to the National Cancer Institute, smoking and tobacco smoke cause an average of 438,000 premature deaths each year in the United States. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are various quit-smoking products available that can help an individual stop for good and the best of these products are nicotine patches, gums, orlozenges, nicotine inhalers or nasal sprays and bupropion and varenicline
Nicotine Patches, Gums and Lozenges
According to the National Cancer Institute, nicotine patches, gums and lozenges are some of the best products available to stop smoking. All three products are available over the counter and do not require any prescription. A nicotine patch is worn on the skin each day and supplies a steady amount of nicotine to the body. Nicotine gums and lozenges are available in 2 and 4 mg strengths. They release the nicotine into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth.
Nicotine Inhalers and Nasal Sprays
Nicotine inhalers and nasal sprays are also some of the best quit-smoking products available, according to the National Cancer Institute. Both of these products are available by prescription only. The spray is available in a pump bottle containing nicotine. Whenever an individual gets the urge to smoke, the nicotine can be inhaled using the nasal spray. A nicotine inhaler delivers a vaporized form of nicotine to the mouth, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucus membranes.
Bupropion and Varenicline
According to the National Cancer Institute, bupropion and varenicline are two medications that are also effective in helping an individual quit smoking. Bupropion is marketed as Zyban. It is an FDA-approved medication to stop smoking. The medication is an antidepressant available only with prescription. This medication helps in reducing the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. It also reduces the urge to smoke. Varencline is another prescription medicine used to quit smoking. It is marketed as Chantix and is approved by the FDA. This drug reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms. If an individual begins to smoke again, the medication also blocks the effects of nicotine.
