Smoking is associated with millions of deaths yearly world-wide. It is very addictive and difficult to quit. In fact, quitting usually takes multiple attempts. Unaided smoking cessation is possible, but aided cessation has a higher rate of success. Several anti-smoking supplements are available to increase the odds of success. There are additional options such as behavioral approaches or counseling that should be discussed with a health care professional.
Nicotine
Since nicotine is highly addictive, it has a reinforcing effect on the act of smoking. In other words, with every puff of a cigarette, a person is rewarded with the effects of nicotine on the brain, and a person associates those feelings with the act of smoking. Nicotine supplement therapy is effective, because a person can stop smoking without withdrawing from nicotine. The supplemented nicotine can then slowly be lowered. Some of the forms of nicotine replacements include skin patches, chewing gum, lozenges and inhaled sprays according to "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment" by Drs. Stephen J. McPhee and Maxine Papadakis.
Bupropion
Bupropion is a pill that is used as an aid to smoking cessation and certain mood disorders such as depression and seasonal affective disorder, in which a person gets more depressed in the fall and winter. When marketed for mood disorders, it is typically sold as Wellbutrin and as Zyban for smoking. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" by Anthony S. Fauci M.D., one effect nicotine has is to increase the amount of dopamine in an area of the brain called the nucleus accumbens. Buprion is postulated to also increase the dopamine levels in the brain, thus decreasing the craving to smoke. Therefore, the extra dopamine is the supplemented chemical in the body. Some side effects may include seizures in people prone to them and high blood pressure.
Varenicline
Varenicline is a drug that supplements the effects of smoking by stimulating nicotine receptors. It was shown in a 2006 study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" to be more effective than placebo and possibly more effective than bupropion in some patients. After one year, abstinence from cigarettes was achieved in 10 percent of placebo users and 23 percent of those who had taken varenicline. Side effects may include nausea, headache and insomnia in some people. It may also rarely cause psychiatric problems such as aggression or depression.
References
- "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment"; Stephen J. McPhee and Maxine Papadakis; 49th Ed 2009
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" Anthony S. Fauci; 17th Ed 2008
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Efficacy of varenicline, an alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist, vs placebo or sustained-release bupropion for smoking cessation: a randomized controlled trial; Jorenby et al; 2006
