Finding The Right Stop Smoking Medication

If you’ve decided to quit smoking, it won’t be easy, but it is doable. It’s good to know what you’re up against so that you won’t be surprised at the obstacles along the way. One of the things you’ll want to know is what types of stop smoking medications are available and which of them might be a good fit for you.

It’s a good idea to make an appointment with your primary physician, because trying to go it alone is difficult and makes the process harder. Just depriving your body of nicotine leads to some pretty substantial withdrawal symptoms like depression, sleeplessness, irritability, or even some nausea and dizziness. These symptoms can be enough to cause you to give up and go right back to smoking – so a little extra professional help and direction from a doctor can give you the push you need, and the information about stop smoking medication he can provide will be very valuable.

One very popular stop smoking medication is the nicotine patch. The patch gives you a measured dose of nicotine right through your skin. Over the course of a number of weeks, you are able to wean yourself off of nicotine, and every few weeks the patch contains a smaller amount of nicotine. This type of stop smoking medication is convenient and not terribly expensive, and you don’t need a prescription for it.

Some side effects that can occur with this stop smoking medication include skin irritation, dizziness, a fast heartbreak, insomnia, even muscle aches and stiffness. If you experience problems, you might choose another brand of patch, or you can choose a patch with a lower amount of nicotine. Also, some symptoms may be only temporary, lasting only a couple of days.

Another stop smoking medication is nicotine gum. This is a fast-acting form of replacement that is absorbed through the mucous membranes of your mouth. It’s another over-the-counter medication that you can obtain without a prescription. In some ways it’s an easier method than the patch, but it has a few side effects too. You might experience bad breath, or the gum may irritate your throat, or give you mouth sores. Hiccups can occur or a sore jaw might develop.

A prescription-only stop smoking medication is Zyban (Bupropion hydrochloride) which was originally designed for combating depression. Because Zyban does not contain nicotine, it’s great for those who have tried other products without any success. Zyban is very effective when used with other stop smoking medications – perhaps used with the patch or the gum.

One last point: no matter what kind of stop smoking medication you choose to help you, in the end, your own mindset and focus is probably the most important thing because you are the key to your success in becoming a nonsmoker. No stop smoking medication can take the place of this.