7/08/2013

With every puff on a cigarette, nicotine increases it addictive hold. It releases dopamine and other chemicals into the brain; causing euphoria and other positive feelings. Its addictive nature will make you crave your next cigarette and once you stop smoking the chemical effect on the brain remains; leading to painful withdrawal symptoms. Using medicines to quit smoking have been proven to double the chances of making your quit smoking plan a success. These medications have few side effects, reduce some of the stress that develops from trying to stop smoking and kill the cravings.



Varenicline and Bupropion



Only available by prescription, Varenicline is sold under the brand name Chanix. Varenicline is available in pill form and works on the brain; making the sensation of smoking less enjoyable and helping manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The pill is started before you stop smoking and you increase the dose around the time of your quit smoking day. Normally the medication is continued for 12 to 24 weeks and is taken twice a day with meals.



Bupropion known under the brand name Zyban is also used to treat depression. As a smoking cessation drug, it works to restore chemical balance in the brain. The medication is started 1 or 2 weeks before you stop smoking, so it can build up in the body and it can be continued for up to a year. Varenicline and Bupropion are the only two nicotine free prescriptions available for smoking cessation.



Nicotine Replacement Therapies



Nicotine gums, patches, inhalers, nasal sprays and lozenges are probably the most well known quit smoking medications. Most are available over the counter; they come in several different brand names and have different dosage options to choose from. These medications work by giving your body some of the nicotine it has been programmed to crave, slowly releasing it over time. You can adjust the dosage downward as your body becomes less addicted to nicotine. Those who smoke more will probably need to start with a higher dose of nicotine and will need to take more hits throughout the day.



Most smokers combine several methods, wearing the patch throughout the day and using gum, lozenges, nasal sprays and inhalers as needed to get a quick boost throughout the day. To avoid overdosing on nicotine, smokers should stop smoking cigarettes before using nicotine replacement therapies. Patches can be purchased over the counter or by prescription, nasal sprays are only available by prescription and all other nicotine replacement therapies are available over the counter. Health insurance will often pick up the cost of these medications.



Though medication is a vital part of the process, the smoker also has to be actively engaged during all stages of the journey. Pay attention to what works for you and your body and consider nontraditional therapies. The herbal supplement Vidirex, fools the body into thinking it is still getting nicotine. Hypnosis can be used to strengthen your desire to give up cigarettes. The ancient technique of acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins using needles and can reduce withdrawal symptoms. If you slip up don't use it as an excuse to keep smoking. Find out what triggered the slip up and talk to your doctor. An adjustment in your medication might be just what you need to kick the habit.
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