What About the Stop Smoking Pill?

There’s a quote by Mark Twain that goes like this: “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a thousand times.” Does this sound like something you’d say? If so, you’re not alone. Thousands of people have tried and failed to quit for good.

Smoking is just very addictive – due to the nicotine that’s found in tobacco. Nicotine can be just as addictive as heroin or even cocaine. A smoker’s body becomes physically as well as psychologically addicted to this powerful ingredient. When you quit smoking, you will not only experience physical symptoms, but you will most likely find yourself anxious and irritable too in the beginning. Depression can strike too during this vulnerable time when your body is missing all the nicotine.

There are many methods to choose from once you’ve made the decision to quit smoking, and your doctor can help you choose a treatment that’s right for you. One very effective method he may recommend is using a stop smoking pill.

Perhaps the most widely used stop smoking pill is the prescription drug Zyban (it’s scientific name is Bupropion). Zyban is really an antidepressant with a time-released formula designed to reduce the effects of nicotine withdrawal. The usual dosage for this stop smoking pill is one or two tablets a day, 150 mg each.

Zyban is thought to be especially effective if it is combined with other nonprescription treatments like patches or nicotine sprays. Combination treatments are especially important for longtime, heavy smokers.

One note of caution: make sure you let your physician know if you have any history of anorexia, high alcohol consumption, have ever had a head injury, or if you have had any seizures.

Another stop smoking pill is Chantix (it’s scientific name is Varenicline). Chantix is newer than Zyban, and while Zyban was initially used for treating depression, Chantix has been developed to specifically help people quit smoking. It works by inhibiting and interfering with nicotine receptors in the brain. This takes away the pleasure you feel from smoking, as well as lessening the withdrawal symptoms.

Some studies have shown that Chantix can even double the chances of a person’s chances of quitting smoking. It’s possible that as a stop smoking pill, Chantix is even more effective than Zyban.

There are some side effects to be aware of, though, so tell your doctor if you notice any trouble sleeping, especially if you are having unusual dreams, or if you develop headaches or nausea.

The stop smoking pill is a promising treatment for a very challenging addiction. If you are serious about quitting, and if you’ve tried other methods with limited or no success, than you should consider one of the stop smoking pills available from you doctor.