Aids in the process of stopping smoking: Which drugs could provide assistance?
Smoking, a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, is an addiction fueled primarily by nicotine. However, there is hope for those who wish to quit, as a variety of medications and methods are available to help make the process easier.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) provides nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke, helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while gradually lowering dependence.
- Nicotine Patches (Nicoderm, Nicoderm CQ): These skin patches deliver a steady, slow release of nicotine through the skin over a day. They are used progressively with lower doses to wean off nicotine.
- Nicotine Gum (Nicorette): Chewed to release nicotine absorbed through the lining of the mouth, this option provides quicker relief of cravings. It's usually used for 1–3 months but no more than 6 months.
- Nicotine Lozenges (Commit Lozenges): Similar to gum, these dissolve in the mouth and provide nicotine in measured doses, often used over a 12-week tapering period.
- Nicotine Inhaler: This device delivers nicotine vapor to the mouth, mimicking the hand-to-mouth action of smoking. Although it was considered close to cigarette use, it was discontinued in some markets due to supply issues.
- Nicotine Nasal Spray: This option provides a faster nicotine delivery to quickly relieve cravings.
NRT is most effective when combining a long-acting form (patch) with a faster-acting form (gum, lozenge, or spray) to manage steady withdrawal and sudden cravings.
Prescription Non-Nicotine Medications
These medications do not contain nicotine but help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings by acting on brain chemistry related to addiction.
- Varenicline (Chantix, Champix): This medication partially activates nicotine receptors to ease withdrawal, while blocking the full effect of nicotine from cigarettes to reduce satisfaction.
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban): Originally an antidepressant, it alters neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It also diminishes the rewarding effects of smoking and may be used alongside NRT.
How They Work to Ease Nicotine Addiction
- NRT: Supplies controlled doses of nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in a safer form than cigarettes, allowing smokers to gradually taper off.
- Varenicline: Partially activates nicotine receptors to ease withdrawal, while blocking the full effect of nicotine from cigarettes to reduce satisfaction.
- Bupropion: Modifies brain chemicals linked to addiction and mood to reduce cravings and withdrawal discomfort without providing nicotine.
This combination of medications and delivery methods allows smokers to choose a tailored quitting approach based on personal preference, severity of addiction, and medical considerations.
Quitting smoking can improve health, quality of life, and increase life expectancy. Avoiding potential triggers by throwing cigarettes away and changing routines can aid in smoking cessation. Other tips include focusing on motivators, building confidence by setting small goals, managing stress, and enlisting the help of friends and family.
- Utilizing science and therapy to manage nicotine addiction, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and prescription non-nicotine medications offer promising solutions for those aiming to quit smoking.
- NRT provides a safer form of nicotine, lowering dependence with products like patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal spray, while prescription non-nicotine medications act on brain chemistry to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, such as Varenicline and Bupropion.
