Nicotrol products are lozenges, patches or nasal sprays which deliver controlled amounts of nicotine to the smoker as opposed to using traditional tobacco products.
Common product names for nicotrol products include Commit, Habitrol, Polacriflex, Nicoderm C-Q, Nicorelief, and Nicorette.
Most nicotrol products are prescribed by a physician but many are available "over the counter" at pharmacies and drug stores.
Usage - Typically, the smoker will use the nicotrol product for a period of time and then begin lowering the amount taken or take a lesser dosed prescription. The smoker continues to get nicotine, but is no longer smoking cigarettes.
The psychological desire to "smoke", i.e. light up a cigarette for instance, is reduced through the use of nicotrol products. The addiction to nicotine is also reduced over time as the smoker takes fewer doses of the lozenge and gum or applications of the patches.
Dangers - Smokers should never use a nicotrol product and smoke at the same time as it may cause sudden and dangerous side effects including death. Smokers should also use nicotrol products while under the care and supervision of a doctor.
Wednesday
Tuesday
Quit Smoking Drugs - Acomplia
Here is a new one, Acomplia.
Acomplia, the trade name for a new quit smoking drug which contains rimonabant.
Rimonabant drugs, like Acomplia, are a new class of drugs containing selective CB1 blockers. CB1 blockers act on the endocannabinoid system (the EC system), a natural system that modulates the body's energy balance and nicotine dependence.
Scientists believe that an over active endocannabinoid system may cause obesity and a dependence upon nicotine. Nicotine is the primary addictive ingredient in cigarettes which causes addiction.
Test on patients using rimonabant based drug Acomplia, were favorable. Side effects included mild gastointestinal related problems and dizziness. All effects were considered minor and short in their duration.
Don't get your hopes up, Acomplia may not be available or FDA approved for some time.
Thursday
Quit Smoking Drugs - Zyban
Zyban is another drug used by smokers to quit smoking. Zyban also goes by the generic name of bupropion.
Zyban is a prescription only drug manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and administered by a physician. It cannot be taken unless ordered and supervised by a doctor.
Zyban is an anti-depressant which may work by blocking the negative emotions associated with quitting smoking. Zyban does not block nicotine. Zyban has been shown to be ineffective among smokers who do not want to quit.
How is Zyban taken?
Zyban is an oral pill.
The regimen begins one week before the actual stop smoking date.
The second week of taking Zyban, the smoker should cease smoking cigarettes.
Zyban is often taken in conjunction with other stop smoking products like nicotine gum or patches.
What are the possible side effects of Zyban?
Headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Constipation
Skin irritation such as itching
How long is Zyban taken when quitting smoking?
If after taking Zyban for up to 7 weeks and you are still having a problem quitting smoking, see your physician.
Quit Smoking Drugs - Chantix
Chantix is a relatively new drug to help smokers quit smoking. Chantix goes by the generic name as well, varenicline (ver EN e kleen). Often, Chantix is described as the "quit smoking pill".
Chantix is marketed as a smoking cessation drug. It is designed to block the pleasurable effects of smoking on the brain. Chantix is also a prescription only drug which must be given and supervised by a physician.
Chantix does have side effects which your physician is aware of and will discuss with you.
How is Chantix taken?
By mouth (an oral drug)
Smokers start with a low does one week before their actual quit smoking date.
The dosages is increased after 3 days and then again after 4 days.
It is recommended that Chantix be taken for 12-24 weeks after starting the regime.
Common side effects of Chantix
Nausea
Flatuence
Constipation
Difficulty sleeping
Abnormal dreams
Headaches
Success rate
Chantix is advertised as being 60% more effective than competitor Zyban
Dangers of Chantix
Chantix can be dangerous for those with kidney disease or mental illness.
Chantix can cause drowsiness - users should not operate vehicles or machinery when taking Chantix.
Chantix may cause irritability, restlessness, and mood swings.
Whether or not Chantix is a "quit smoking pill" or not, it is a popular anti smoking drug prescribed for cigarette smokers.
Quit Smoking Drugs
With the new year, millions will try and quit smoking. Many will try, most will fail.
There are a host of drugs available which can help smokers give up cigarettes and tobacco forever.
Quit Smoking Drugs will research and report on each of these new and current drugs as they become available.
There are some drugs which have been proven and available for many years.
Others are new and recently approved by the FDA. Because there are so many drugs to help smokers quit smoking, there is a need for a single non-biased reference point for smokers to go to for more information.
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