Many states have enacted bans on cigarette smoking in public places such as government buildings, restaurants and bars, making smoking in public more difficult. Medications to increase the success of quitting are available.
Health Effects of Smoking
The deleterious health effects of smoking are well known. It increases the risk for many types of cancer including lung, throat, mouth, pancreas, cervix, bladder and kidney. Smoking also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.
Nonprescription Medications
Nonprescription medications generally involve nicotine replacement for some time, followed by slowly tapering off the dose. Replacement is thought to ease the cravings and discomfort associated with withdrawal. Nicotine replacement is available as chewing gum and transdermal patches, and is supported by the American Heart Association.
Prescription Medications
Prescription medications that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for smoking cessation include Zyban and Chantix. Zyban is a form of extended release buproprion. It is started one to two weeks before an individual wants to quit smoking and is generally prescribed for a period of seven to 12 weeks during which the individual tapers off cigarette consumption. Zyban (generic name, varenicline tartrate) blocks the effects of nicotine in the brain and reduces cravings.
