Smoking cessation medications to help you quit

Special studies published in the journal “Tobacco Control” have proven that it is extremely important for manufacturers to reduce the level of tobacco in cigarettes. This will help save the lives of thousands of victims of nicotine addiction. It is believed that reducing the level of nicotine does not cause addiction. If nicotine addiction has arisen, it should be fought by all available means and methods.

Away with depression, and with it cigarettes

It has been proven that antidepressants can relieve nicotine addiction. Scientists cannot explain how the treatment occurs, but the craving for cigarettes really decreases, since the proportion of certain chemicals in the brain increases. All antidepressants, for example, bupropion, should be taken after consultation with a doctor in strictly prescribed doses. For those who suffer from alcoholism or epilepsy, such drugs will not help, and among the common negative consequences are headaches, insomnia and dry mouth. These drugs are prescribed one or two weeks before the moment when a person decides to quit smoking.

Get distracted from smoking

Replacement therapy is a whole range of measures that can reduce the craving for nicotine, replenish its deficiency for the body and help cope with addiction. Science and medicine have created cutting-edge patches, inhalers or chewing gums that have proven their effectiveness.

Chewing gum is the best replacement for a cigarette

The safest cure for smoking is a special chewing gum with nicotine. Unfortunately, the choice on the domestic market is quite limited. The gum distracts from cigarettes, and also releases nicotine, which enters the body through the mucous membrane of the mouth. You cannot chew more than 12 pieces per day. Private doctors claim that this method is not the most effective, because only 20% of smokers get rid of the addiction with its help.

Put on protection

A nicotine patch will help you forget about cigarettes without unnecessary discomfort. The advantage of the product is that nicotine is gradually released from the patch, which replenishes the daily need for the substance. Depending on how many cigarettes a day the smoker smoked, as well as the strength of the so-called withdrawal syndrome, the time of use and dosage of "sticky" nicotine are calculated. This method is somewhat more effective: almost a third of smokers give up cigarettes after using the patch.

Inhale, but don't smoke

Inhalers are among the top three replacement therapy products. They are often used to supplement the effect of a patch or chewing gum. An inhaler is a capsule with nicotine, which is connected to a plastic tube. This smoking cessation medicine is necessary for those who are used to smoking thoughtfully and for a long time, and enthusiastically holding cigarettes in their hands. Inhalers are indispensable on airplanes. Smoking is prohibited on public transport, but inhalers are not subject to this ban.

Deceive the body

Electronic cigarettes are in many ways similar to real ones, only they do not cause harm. A beautifully shaped tube with a capsule resembles a cigar or cigarette. Inside the capsule is a liquid with nicotine, flavor additives and tobacco flavorings dissolved in it. It is noteworthy that the sensation of smoking electronic cigarettes is close to real ones, but there is no emission of harmful substances. However, there is no confirmed data on the effectiveness of this method for those who quit smoking. Electronic cigarettes are quite expensive, and in the regions there may be difficulties with purchasing. Modern cigarettes can be purchased online or in specialty stores.

Herbal cigarettes are the second way to deceive your body and senses, denying the body nicotine. They contain medicinal herbs and flavor additives. Such cigarettes do not contain nicotine, and the amount of tar does not exceed the permissible norms.

A special US commission has introduced strict bans on advertising herbal cigarettes, since they contain carbon monoxide and tar, and the benefits of their use are quite controversial.

How do cigarette cessation medications work?

All smoking cessation pills work according to a well-known scheme: they contain a substance that affects receptors in the same way as nicotine. You should not rush recklessly to the pharmacy in search of magic pills. A consultation with an addiction specialist will help you find the right smoking cessation medication, its dosage, and rules for taking it. Unfortunately, such products are not cheap.

Pregnancy and cigarettes: which will win?

Pregnant women should quit smoking as soon as possible. Antidepressants are contraindicated in this case, but replacement therapy is allowed. If you continue to smoke during pregnancy, the risk of fetal hypoxia increases dramatically. Replacement therapy is not a panacea, but it helps reduce the risks associated with smoking.

To get rid of nicotine addiction, you should approach the problem comprehensively, not rely entirely on drugs, replacement therapy or folk methods. It is important to consult with specialists, eliminating all possible risks. Remember, the sooner you quit smoking, the healthier your future will be.