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The 30th Annual Great American Smokeout is Thursday, November 16th and there is never a better time than today to make the decision to quit smoking. The US Surgeon General has stated, "Smoking cessation (stopping smoking) represents the single most important step that smokers can take to enhance the length and quality of their lives." More than 70% of smokers say they want to quit, but only 5-10% are successful on any given attempt. It is not easy to quit smoking, so you need to know that there are products available to help you throughout the difficult process.
Research has shown using a quitting smoking medication, such as bupropion (Zyban®), varenicline (Chantix™), or nicotine replacement products can double your chances of successfully quitting. A brief guide to each of these products is listed below in order to help you decide which product might be best for you.
Bupropion (Zyban®)
· First non-nicotine medication approved by the FDA for smoking cessation, available by prescription only
· Works by reducing cravings and relieving nicotine withdrawal
· Must be started 1-2 weeks before the set quit day and continued for 7-12 weeks
· 1 tablet taken 1-2 times daily
· Side effects are very mild, but may
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include insomnia or dry mouth
· ~30% success rate and may be used in combination with nicotine replacement products
Varencicline (Chantix™)
· Latest product approved by the FDA for smoking cessation, available by prescription only
· Works by reducing cravings, relieving nicotine withdrawal, and decreasing the sense of satisfaction associated with smoking
· Must be started 1 week before the set quit day and continued for 12 weeks
· 1 tablet taken 1-2 times daily
· Side effects include nausea, sleep disturbance and headaches
· ~44% success rate, and no recommendations are available regarding use with nicotine replacement products
Nicotine replacement products
· Available as patch, gum, or lozenges over-the-counter, and as a nasal spray or inhaler by prescription only
· Works by reducing cravings, relieving nicotine withdrawal, and reinforcing the effects of tobacco-delivered nicotine
· Gives you the chance to concentrate on changing the "habit" or routine of smoking
· The patch has the highest compliance rate, but doesn't treat acute crav
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ings
· The combination of the patch with another product (e.g., gum, lozenge or nasal spray) appears to be more effective than using a single agent; however, there is a risk of too much nicotine
· However, patients are encouraged to use combination therapy only after they are unable to quit using a singe agent
· Side effects include increased heart rate, insomnia, headache, nervousness, nausea, skin irritation(patch), and hiccups, heartburn and mouth soreness(gum or lozenge)
Talk to your physician or pharmacist about setting up a medicine strategy that will work for you. Depending on your smoking habits and previous attempts to quit, they may recommend using one or more of these medicines. Smoking cessation classes are also available in most areas and will guide you throughout the quitting process. For additional information, visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org and click on the "Guide to Quitting Smoking." Be sure to encourage friends and family to participate in the Great American Smokout!
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