Stop Smoking Medications -
Zyban and Chantix
There are two stop smoking medications in pill form currently on the market that are FDA approved. They are Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) and Chantix (varenicline).
Here we will review general information about each including how they work to stop smoking; what success rates are shown with each and support programs; and possible side effects.
I hope this information you can take with you to your doctor and decided what is best for you and your long-term anti-aging health.
Zyban - Bupropion hydrochloride
General Information
Bupropion hydrochloride, also sold as Zyban, was first prescription stop smoking pill released in 1997. Initially developed and marketed as an antidepressant known as Wellbutrin Tablets and Wellbutrin SR Sustained-Release Tablets, Zyban (Bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription antidepressant that is FDA approved to treat nicotine addition. Bupropion does not contain nicotine or other agents currently used in the treatment of nicotine addiction, but can reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and lessen the urge to smoke. Bupropion is in a class of nicotine-free medications that imitates nicotine and tricks the brain into believing you are smoking and therefore reducing the withdrawal symptoms.
Like with any prescription medication, you need to get the prescription for it from your doctor. You and your doctor will be able to review if this is the right prescription medication for you; review possible side effects (see below) and other complementally stop smoking programs. (If you do not have a doctor, many dentists are also able to prescribe this and other stop smoking medications.)
Overall Review
The success rates of quitting smoking are higher than with either a placebo or other nicotine replacement therapies such as the nicotine patch. In fact, stop smoking medications like bupropion hydrochloride can double your chances at quitting smoking than going cold turkey. The current statistics show a 30% quitting rate at the end of 12 weeks and those with no help had only a 15%-18% quitting rate.
Since this is an FDA approved medication, most major prescription plans cover this stop smoking medication. If you do not have prescription coverage, you should check the Partnership for Prescription Assistance Web site at PPARx.org, or call 888-477-2669 to see if you can get the medication for free or at a discount to those who qualify.
Side Effects
The common side effects to bupropion hydrochloride include dry mouth, headaches, dizziness and insomnia (inability to sleep). These common symptoms generally are mild and often disappear after a few weeks. Other more serious but rare side effects include seizures; hypertension (high blood pressure); severe allergic reactions; and unusual thoughts or behaviors including delusions (believe you are someone else), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), paranoia (feeling that people are against you), or feeling confused It is also advised to avoid alcohol to avoid an increased risk of having a seizure. You should report any of these side effects right away to your doctor.
If you really are ready to quit smoking, this is one option you should explore with your doctor.
Chantix - Varenicline
General Information
A new stop smoking medication is varenicline, sold as also Chantix, and is another FDA approved medicine for adult smoking cessation. Varenicline, like bupropion hydrochloride, does not contain nicotine. It has been shown to reduce withdrawal symptoms and seems to target the same receptors that nicotine does. Varenicline is also believed to block nicotine from even getting to the receptors in the brain unlike bupropion hydrochloride.
Like with any prescription medication, you need to get the prescription for it from your doctor. You and your doctor will be able to review if this is the right prescription medication for you; review possible side effects (see below) and show you the online help offered with this medication. (If you do not have a doctor, many dentists are also able to prescribe this and other stop smoking medications.)
Overall Review
The success rates of quitting smoking are higher than with either a placebo or other nicotine-free medications. The current statistics show a 44% quitting rate at the end of 12 weeks and those with no help had only a 15%-18% quitting rate.
Since this is an FDA approved medication, most major prescription plans cover this stop smoking medication. If you do not have prescription coverage, you should check the Partnership for Prescription Assistance Web site at PPARx.org, or call 888-477-2669 to see if you can get the medication for free or at a discount to those who qualify.
This medication maker also offers a great 52-week support program to help support you while you are quitting and after you have quit.
Side Effects
The common side effects to varenicline include nausea/vomiting, sleep problems, constipation, and gas. Other more serious but rare side effects include unusual thoughts or changes in behaviors including agitation, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts or actions. You should also not take any other stop smoking products while on varenicline. You should report any of these side effects right away to your doctor.
This is not a magical pill, this is another option you can discuss with your doctor to quit smoking for good!
Additional Resources to Stop Smoking
Acupuncture to Stop Smoking - A Natural Aid
A review of acupuncture to stop smoking including how it works, how much it cost, how long it takes and resources to find a licensed acupuncturist.
Stop Smoking Inhaler and Nasal Spray
A review of the FDA approved stop smoking inhaler and nasal spray including how and why they work, who they are best for and possible side effects.
Stop Smoking Injections
A review of the stop smoking injections (also called the stop smoking shot) including their uses, how they work, success rates and side effects.
Stop Smoking Patches, Gum and Lozenges
A review of three common NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapies) for smoking cessation including stop smoking patches, gum, and lozenges. We review general information, costs, success rates, and possible side effects.
Stop Smoking Laser Treatments
Is it right for you? How does it work, how long does it take, how much does it cost, what are the success rates and what are the side effects.
Learn to Stop Smoking
Why you should stop, breaking the habit, the physiological and psychological addictions, symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and medication and programs that are available.
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