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2008 is here, and with the new year, many of us have made resolutions to be healthier. If one of your new year's resolutions was to quit smoking, then read on.
As you are probably aware, there are numerous products available to help you quit smoking. There are many over-the-counter products such as patches, gums, lozenges, and inhalers. There are even some prescription products available such as Zyban and Chantix. Because Chantix is the newest product in this group and you may not have heard much about it, here is some information about Chantix.
What is Chantix?
Chantix has been available for a little over a year, but because it is a prescription product, you will not see it on the shelves with the over-the-counter products. In order to obtain Chantix, you will need a prescription from your doctor.
Chantix works a little differently than other stop-smoking aids. Unlike most of the other products, Chantix does not contain nicotine. It does, however, work on the same areas in your brain that nicotine does. So when you take Chantix, it is like having a small amount of nicotine in your body at all times.
Also, if you are taking Chantix and are overtaken by an urge to smoke, you are not likely to feel the "reward" from a cigarette that you normally would. This is because the steady level of Chantix in your
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system blocks the effect that additional nicotine would have. Because of this, that cigarette that you are craving may not be so satisfying.
And because you take Chantix on a regular set basis, it can take away some of the guesswork that may be present with products like gums or lozenges.
Does Chantix work? What are patients saying about Chantix?
Most patients that I have talked with who have taken Chantix say that it really helped to cut down the urge to smoke. Pharmacists that I have spoken with have heard the same thing from their patients. However, like most medications, Chantix can cause some unwanted side effects. The most common side effects that patients have reported with Chantix include some periods of nausea and strange dreams.
Is Chantix guaranteed to help you?
Absolutely not. No product can claim that. Only time will tell if patients who have had initial success with Chantix will remain smoke-free.
How much does Chantix cost?
The reality is that most stop-smoking aids are relatively expensive, and are not covered by many insurance plans. Chantix is no different. It can cost about $115 for a one-month supply. But if you feel that the cost of Chantix (or any of the other products) is too high, con
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sider what you would be paying for cigarettes for that same period of time. It is probably not that much less, especially if you are a heavy smoker. And then consider what you can save if you do quit - probably thousands of dollars over your lifetime. And don't forget to consider what quitting smoking can do for your health. Your lungs and your heart will thank you.
A final message
Quitting smoking is hard. And it will probably take more than one try. Before you take on the task, make sure that you are ready and that you are fully committed to quitting.
Talk to your doctor and your pharmacist if you are serious about quitting smoking. They really want you to succeed, and you may be surprised at how much advice they have for you. Additional information can also be found at www.chantix.com.
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