Medication and counseling increase your chances of quitting smoking
If
you are trying to quit smoking, you should not have to do it on your
own. In fact, the guidelines from the United States Public Health
Service recommend that all smokers trying to quit use one of six
medications that can help. These medications are approved by the Food
and Drug Administration and have been shown to help smokers quit. Five
of them fall under the heading of Nicotine Replacement Therapies, and
one is a prescription pill.
Nicotine replacement therapies
Patch. Patches provide a steady stream of nicotine
through your skin over a period of 16-24 hours, depending on the
product. The patch is available by prescription or over the counter
(OTC). It is designed to give you enough nicotine to ease cravings
but not enough to be addictive. Treatment is most often recommended
for 6 to 8 weeks.
Gum. This OTC product is for smokers who want something
to turn to when they have urges to smoke. It releases nicotine into
your mouth to ease cravings. Smokers can chew up to 20-30 pieces a
day for 6 to 8 weeks.
Lozenge. This OTC medication releases nicotine into your
mouth. It is most often used for 8 to 12 weeks. If you usually have
your first cigarette of the day within 30 minutes of waking up, use
the 4 mg dose; otherwise, use the 2 mg dose. Most people use at
least 6 to 12 lozenges a day.
Inhaler. Small doses of nicotine are “puffed” through
this prescription product that looks similar to a cigarette. Unlike
a cigarette, there is no harmful carbon monoxide. Treatment usually
lasts 8 to 12 weeks.
Nasal spray. This prescription product sprays nicotine
into your nose. Recommended use is up to 2 sprays an hour for as
long as 3 months.
Prescription pill: Bupropion (Zyban® or Wellbutrin®)
Bupropion SR is a prescription pill marketed under the brand
name
Zyban® (also available generically). It is designed to help
reduce cravings for nicotine. It can also relieve symptoms of
depression for some people. Be sure to take this pill exactly as
directed.
Counseling can help, too!
Often medications alone are not enough to help a person quit. Research
has shown that medications and counseling together can increase a
person's chances of quitting and remaining a nonsmoker. Options for
counseling include:
The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line (800-QUIT-NOW) provides
one-on-one counseling over the phone or referrals to other programs
and services, and is free of charge to Wisconsin residents.
Freedom From Smoking (FFS) Online, offered by the
American Lung Association, provides online counseling support. To
access FFS Online, go to
www.lungusa.org. Select “Quit Smoking” from the top banner.
Choose “FFS Online Program.” Talk with your health care provider
about quitting smoking and which methods might work best for you. If
you take any of the medications listed above, be sure to read the
instructions in full and call your health care provider or
pharmacist with any questions or concerns. Also, ask for other
handouts that can help you prepare for and deal with quitting
smoking.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this site is intended for
general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to
replace the advice of your own physician. Contact your physician if you
believe you have a health problem.
If
you are trying to quit smoking, you should not have to do it on your
own. In fact, the guidelines from the United States Public Health
Service recommend that all smokers trying to quit use one of six
medications that can help. These medications are approved by the Food
and Drug Administration and have been shown to help smokers quit. Five
of them fall under the heading of Nicotine Replacement Therapies, and
one is a prescription pill.