Quitting smoking can be a daunting challenge. Nicotine is one of the most addictive drugs currently in popular use and one of the few recreational drugs whose use is permitted by law. Fortunately, numerous resources exist to help those ready to make a commitment to better health by ditching their cigarettes. While kicking the nicotine habit is not as easy as simply popping a pill, there are two popular medications that can help smokers get over the initial hump of smoking cessation.
Zyban
Zyban is another name for the drug buproprion hydrochloride, which also goes by the name Wellbutrin when used in its other application as an antidepressant. Zyban eases a smoker's cravings and takes the edge off the early withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting, according to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. It is not recommended for those with epilepsy or eating disorders.
Zyban is taken once or twice per day in sustained-release tablets that must be swallowed whole. It is recommended that smokers begin taking Zyban about one week before quitting to allow the medication to take effect.
Chantix
Chantix, or varenicline, was more recently developed than Zyban. Its design is to block the brain's pleasure receptors that are associated with smoking. Chantix tablets are taken daily. Like Zyban, Chantix should begin to be taken one week before smoking cessation--the dose is gradually increased during this time--to allow the body to adjust to the medication.
Drugs.com warns that Chantix may cause drowsiness and users are cautioned to avoid operating heavy machinery until they have had time to assess the effects of the drug on their ability to stay alert.
Other Alternatives
Over-the-counter products to aid the aspiring non-smoker are readily available at most pharmacies. These include nicotine gum, which provides a smoker with a chewable form of safer tobacco to help ease the pangs of nicotine withdrawal. Lozenges containing nicotine are also available according to the Canadian Lung Association.
Nicotine patches allow the absorption of controlled doses of nicotine through the skin. Nicotine inhalers consist of a small plastic tube with a nicotine cartridge inside. The user puffs on the inhaler like a cigarette, thus pulling nicotine into his lungs without the carcinogenic smoke associated with actual smoking.
Patients should discuss possible side effects of any medication with their doctor.
