Many people have trouble quitting smoking. Part of this is because tobacco contains a compound called nicotine. Nicotine is a very potent stimulator of certain parts of the brain. If these parts of the brain are exposed to nicotine for an extended period of time, they become accustomed to it. As a result, if you try to quit smoking, these parts of the brain will create withdrawal symptoms, making you want to smoke.
Step 1
Use nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine replacement therapy works to relieve the symptoms of withdrawal from smoking by replacing the nicotine in your body. It can be purchased over the counter and comes in lozenge, gum, nasal spray and skin patches. The patches deliver a constant level of nicotine to the body, whereas the lozenges, sprays and gum allow you to self-administer nicotine as you need it.
Step 2
Use varenicline. Varenicline (also known as Chantix) is a medication that blocks the parts of the brain that respond to nicotine. As a result, varenicline can help reduce the withdrawal symptoms that you get when you stop smoking. Varenicline, which is only available with a prescription, is most effective when you take it for two weeks prior to quitting smoking.
Step 3
Take bupropion. Bupropion, which is often marketed as Zyban, is a type of antidepressant. It also works to reduce nicotine cravings in people who have quit smoking. Although it is not completely understood how bupropion works to reduce withdrawal symptoms, it is thought to inhibit brain activity in the parts of the brain that respond to nicotine.
Step 4
Try other medications in an off-label manner. Some medications can be used to help with smoking withdrawal symptoms, even though they have not been specifically approved by the FDA for this purpose, which is called off-label usage. Medications that can be used off-label for smoking cessation include clonidine (a blood pressure medication) and nortriptyline (an older antidepressant).
Things You'll Need
- Nicotine replacement therapy
- Varenicline
- Bupropion
