Smoking is a harmful habit that can lead to such potentially life-threatening conditions as lung cancer and emphysema. The American Cancer Society states that even smoking one to four cigarettes a day can increase the risk for heart diseases and death. Cigarettes contain nicotine, a harmful substance, that leads to such problems. Fortunately, medications to quit smoking exist.
Varenicline
Varenicline, commonly sold as Chantix, is an example of a smoking cessation drug that is typically used in conjunction with counseling therapy, says Drugs.com. It works by actually interfering with nicotine in the brain.
Common side effects include nausea, a headache, increased appetite, weakness and fatigue. Other common effects include trouble sleeping, indigestion, gas, constipation and vomiting. Sometimes, this medication can leave a bad taste in the mouth. Call a physician when varenicline's common effects remain for more than five days.
Varenicline's more serious side effects include a fever, skin rash, a sore throat, peeling and blistering of the skin. Phone a physician right away when varenicline leads to these effects.
A change in varenicline's dose may be necessary, especially when taking a blood thinner like warfarin, insulin and theophylline.
Varenicline is available as a tablet that should be taken one to two times daily, reports MedlinePlus.
Bupropion
Bupropion, commonly sold as Zyban, is another medication taken to help decrease smoking. According to MedlinePlus, bupropion is an antidepressant medication that works to change the brain's activity.
Bupropion's common side effects include dizziness, a headache, weight loss, constipation and excessive sweating. Other common effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, shaking of one part of the body and excitement. Notify a physician when bupropion's common side effects remain for more than five days.
Bupropion's serious side effects include seizures, confusion, itching, hives, a rash and blisters. Other serious effects include trouble swallowing or breathing, chest pain, muscle or joint pain and swelling of the tongue, face or throat. Call 911 when these effects emerge.
An alteration in bupropion's dose may be necessary when taking such drugs as amatadine, atenolol, nadolol, metoprolol and cyclophosphamide, as the combination can lead to serious side effects.
Bupropion is available as a regular or sustained-release tablet. MedlinePlus indicates that bupropion is a regular tablet that is taken three to four times daily, six hours apart, while the extended-release tablet is taken daily.
Nicotine Inhaler
Nicotine, commonly sold as Nicotrol, is another medication used to help cease smoking. Drugs.com says that it actually administers tiny amounts of nicotine to help do so.
Common side effects include coughing, diarrhea, throat or mouth irritation, indigestion, nausea and muscle aches. Other common effects include a fast or irregular heartbeat and a runny nose. Notify a doctor when these common side effects remain for greater than one week.
Nicotine's serious effects include chest pain, depression, dizziness, shortness of breath and a headache. An allergic response can also develop. Signs of an allergic reaction to this medication include trouble breathing, swelling up of the face, tongue or throat, and hives. Call 911.
This medication can actually harm an unborn baby.
Nicotine is available as an inhaler. The National Library of Medicine DailyMed says that individuals should inhale six to sixteen cartridges a day or as instructed.
