Monday, November 11, 2013

About Prescription Stopsmoking Helps

Cigarette smoking is a common and extremely addictive process due to the presence of nicotine. There are several prescription aids that can be used to help reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.


History


A cigarette is made from a small tube of cured tobacco leaves and other bits of tobacco, often with other additives, which are then smoked. The addictiveness of smoking stems from the compound nicotine, which is a chemical with psychoactive effects. Many cigarettes have reconstituted tobacco within them, which makes the nicotine more volatile and increases the addictiveness.


Features


There are many prescription medications and treatments that can help reduce the nicotine cravings associated with smoking. The most directly acting are the nicotine nasal sprays and oral inhalers. These can help prevent the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, which include anxiety, irritability and cravings. Nasal sprays and inhalers have been shown to be more effective when used with a nicotine patch.


Types


Another non-nicotine option is Zyban, an antidepressant shown to reduce nicotine cravings. Zyban may need to be taken for at least a week before the cravings diminish, as it gives the drug time to start affecting your body. Zyban, on average, is used for 7 to 12 weeks for people who are looking to stop smoking. Another drug that does not use nicotine is Chantix. Chantix works by reducing the positive feelings that are experienced when smoking nicotine, thus reducing the pleasure gained from smoking. It may also help with withdrawal symptoms. Typical Chantix use is a course of 12 weeks of taking the medication, with another 12-week course after the individual has quit smoking.


Warning


The different medications all come with their own side effects. Nasal sprays and oral inhalers can cause nose, throat, and sinus irritation and make some users cough. Zyban can lead to dry mouth and insomnia. Chantix can also cause insomnia, as well as nausea and changes in mood.


Considerations


All prescription stop-smoking aids are most effective when combined with a nicotine patch. In addition, many people who are looking to stop smoking are helped by various counseling programs and support groups to help with the psychological aspects of smoking as well as the physical withdrawal symptoms. Smoking while taking any prescription stop smoking aid can lead to dangerous side effects, including a rapid heartbeat, anxiety and elevated blood pressure.









Related posts



    Smoking cigarettes has been proven to be one cause of serious medical conditions, such as lung cancer and disease, strokes and heart disease. There are a number of aids, many of which use nicotine...
    According to the American Lung Association, diseases related to smoking are directly linked to more than 400,000 deaths in the United States each year. With negative health effects and the cost of...
    Stop smoking aids are used to rid the body of nicotine and to eliminate the use of cigarettes. These stop smoking aids can be very effective, but they can also come with some side effects. These s...
    Smoking cigarettes is an addictive habit that is harmful to your health. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 50 percent of smokers in the United States attempt to quit this hab...
    About Free Products for Quitting SmokingAbout 29 percent of the U.S. population over age 12 smokes, making nicotine one of the most heavily used addictive substances in the country, according to t...