The addictiveness of nicotine equals that of cocaine and heroin, and nicotine dependence involves both emotional and physical aspects. The American Cancer Society mentions success rates of 4 to 7 percent when people attempt to quit smoking without medications or other measures. Along with various nicotine replacement therapies involving nicotine patches, gum or inhalers, a number of prescription pills can help a smoker deal with the physical aspects of nicotine dependence while quitting smoking.
Bupropion Hydrochloride
Bupropion hydrochloride--known by the brand name Zyban--works by reducing the uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine. This increases the levels of those chemicals in the brain, which reduces the cravings for cigarettes and eases withdrawal symptoms. When smokers use Zyban pills while participating in support programs, at least one-third succeed in quitting smoking for a month or longer. Zyban pills come in the form of round, purple tablets.
Varenicline
The brand name of varenicline is Chantix in the United States and Champix in other countries. The pill's contents bind with nicotine receptors in the brain, thus blocking nicotine from binding there. This eliminates the usual feelings produced by nicotine in a smoker. The American Cancer Society notes that use of Chantix pills can double the chances of success in quitting smoking. Chantix pills come in two formats: white 0.5 milligram tablets and blue 1 mg tablets.
Clonidine Hydrochloride and Nortriptyline Hydrochloride
Some people cannot use Zyban or Chantix, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recommends several other pills in those cases. Clonidine hydrochloride, known by the brand name Catapres in the United States, is a prescription pill normally used for high blood pressure. The use of these pills as smoking cessation aids is considered an "off-label" use, since the Food and Drug Administration has not given approval for this use. The American Cancer Society warns that teens, pregnant women and those who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day should not take Catapres pills. The pills come in tan, orange or purple tablets.
Nortriptyline hydrochloride is the generic name for Nortriptyline, an antidepressant prescription pill that can help with efforts to quit smoking. "Off-label" use of Nortriptyline pills--and Catapres pills--for this purpose is not illegal. Smokers should inform their doctors and pharmacists about any other pills they use before they begin treatment with Nortriptyline, because the pills may interact with other drugs. Nortriptyline pills come in white, green or green-and-white capsules.
