New York State Quit Smoking Web Site

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New York State Quit Smoking Web Site

New York State Quit Smoking Web Site - Quit Smoking With Medications

Quitting an addictive behavior like smoking is a very difficult process. Along with support groups and behavior modification techniques, the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved six medications to aid in your quest of smoking cessation. These medications help you break your addiction to nicotine and transition more smoothly into a smoke-free life.

The majority of New York State quit smoking web site medications fall into the category of nicotine replacement therapy. These include medications available over the counter in the form of a nicotine patch (also prescription-only, depending on the particular brand), nicotine lozenge, or nicotine gum. Nicotine inhalers and nicotine nasal sprays are also available by prescription.

There are also several non-nicotine replacement medications available. Bupropion SR is one anti-depressant which must be prescribed by a doctor. It is most commonly known by its brand name Zyban. Many people have also found that alternative medicine helps them with the painful process of withdrawal. No matter which medication you choose, if any, be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning or stopping treatment.

With the nicotine patch method, the smoker wears a new patch daily on his or her upper body for eight weeks or longer. The patch passes nicotine into your system by transferring it from your skin into your bloodstream. Name brands Nicoderm CQ and Nicotrol are available over-the-counter, while Habitrol is available by prescription only. If, after the first week of treatment, you have still not quit smoking entirely, you should speak to your doctor about adjusting the dosage or using additional medication.

Nicotine lozenges dissolve in your mouth and pass nicotine into your bloodstream through the lining of your mouth. Doses are set at two milligrams for regular smokers and four milligrams for heavy smokers, and are recommended to be taken every couple hours during waking hours, for six weeks. After that point, you can decrease the number of nicotine lozenges taken, over the following six weeks. The brand name Commit nicotine lozenge is available over-the-counter.

Like nicotine lozenges, nicotine gum delivers nicotine through the mouth’s lining. Again, doses vary between two- and four-milligrams, and most users chew between 10 and 15 pieces daily. Nicotine gum should be used for a one- to three-month period, and is not recommended for longer than six months. Nicorette, which is arguably the best known brand of nicotine gum, is available over-the-counter.

Nicotine inhalers work to satisfy smoking urges and nicotine cravings. Looking similar to a cigarette holder, the inhaler gives smokers a chance to puff, causing the nicotine inhaler to give off nicotine vapors. The vapors are absorbed by the mouth lining and delivered to the bloodstream and, eventually, the brain. The brand name Nicotrol nicotine inhaler is available via prescription.

Nicotine nasal spray delivers its effects more quickly than either nicotine gum or nicotine patches. With this method, nicotine is sprayed directly into the nostrils. After being absorbed by nasal membranes, the nicotine is passed into the veins and to the heart and brain. Brand name Nicotrol NS, nicotine nasal spray is typically prescribed for three-month periods, and similar to other nicotine replacement methods, should be used for a maximum of six months.

Bupropion SR is an antidepressant drug used to assist in smoking cessation programs, and it does not contain nicotine. Rather, this antidepressant increases dopamine levels in the brain, dopamine being the chemical that is boosted by nicotine use. Bupropion’s side effects include dry mouth, headaches, and sleep disturbance. Known as brand name Zyban, bupropion must be prescribed by a doctor and should not be given to patients with a history of seizures or serious head trauma. Other antidepressants such as nortriptyline may be an alternative option.

Alternative medicine exists in many forms, but the forms used most often for quitting smoking are behavior therapy and relaxation techniques. In behavior therapy, a therapist helps you understand why you smoke, assists you with developing coping skills, and thereby change your behaviors and thoughts. Relaxation techniques or meditation focus on reducing stress - a major trigger for most smokers.

Using a medication to quit smoking boosts your chances of successfully quitting smoking by double that of smokers who do not utilise any form of medication. The most successful form of treatment of all is the use of therapy or counseling in conjunction with medication. If you are thinking about smoking cessation, find out as much as possible about all the smoking quitting aids available to you through this New York State quit smoking web site and others, and do not overlook the importance of consulting with your physician.

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