There are many different types of techniques to help people quit smoking, including medicines that can help smokers quit if used correctly. There are two different types of medicine doctors prescribe to help patients stop smoking. The first family of drugs is called nicotine replacement medicines and the second type is termed non-nicotine prescription medicines. Both groups have proven effective in helping patients quit smoking.
Nicotine Gum and Lozenges
Nicotine gum, according to the American Heart Association, is a medication that has been helping smokers quit for more than 20 years. This medication is also available in lozenge form, and either can be bought in stores without a prescription. Smokers should chew the gum every 1 to 2 hours while awake. The smoker should not exceed more than 20 pieces per day. Smokers taking the nicotine gum should not consume coffee, cola or orange juice while chewing gum. Also, patients should not smoke while taking any nicotine replacement drugs. Nicotine gum or lozenges may take up to three months to provide a full effect.
Nicotine Patch
Nicotine patches can be bought in different strengths of 5, 10 and 15 mg without a doctor’s prescription. The patch is placed on the chest or arm every 16 to 24 hours. Patients should start with the lowest nicotine patch necessary to curb their addiction, then lower the patch strength until the patch is no longer needed. Side effects include redness and soreness at the site where the patch is placed. Nicotine replacement, as explained by the American Academy of Family Physicians, works by decreasing the body’s craving for the nicotine found in cigarettes. This allows patients to develop habits that will support cessation.
Nicotine Spray
A doctor’s prescription is needed to obtain nicotine spray. This form of nicotine replacement is sprayed up the nose once or twice per hour while awake. The spray, like other nicotine replacement medicines, can provide the nicotine a patient needs for the addiction without the other carcinogenic substances present in a cigarette. The spray can be taken for up to six months, but the dose should be lessened from the third to sixth month.
Nicotine Inhaler
A nicotine inhaler is a vapor mist form of nicotine that is inhaled by the patient. Patients use six to 16 tubes per day. The dosage and duration is similar to nicotine spray. Side effects include mild throat or mouth discomfort.
Bupropion
Bupropion, or bupropion hydrochloride, is a medicine for depression, but has been found to also help patients quit smoking, according to the American Heart Association. Brand names for buproprion include Zyban and Wellbutrin. The drug can be taken in pill form and works by blocking the flow of certain chemicals to the brain. These chemicals are the ones that make patients want to smoke. Bupropion takes a week to begin working and may need to be taken for seven to 12 weeks.
Varenicline
Varenicline is a non-nicotine prescription drug that, according to Mayo Clinic, is being marketed under the brand name Chantix. This drug works by stimulating the release of dopamine and decreasing nicotine’s ability to stimulate the brain. A low-level release of dopamine helps fight the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Furthermore, varenicline reduces the effect nicotine has on the brain; this, in turn, decreases the pleasure a smoker receives from a cigarette. Varenicline is taken in pill form and can be taken for up to 12 weeks, depending on a doctor’s recommendation.
About this Author
Joseph Pritchard graduated from Our Lady of Fatima Medical School with a medical degree. He has spent almost a decade studying humanity. Dr. Pritchard writes for the Examiner.com as the SF biology examiner and thoroughly enjoys sharing the knowledge he has accumulated.
