Do Quit Smoking Pills Work?

It seems like there is a pill for everything these days. Over-the-counter medicines cover everything from weight loss to body makeovers. Prescription drugs may not be much better; they just cost more. In this “take a pill” generation, it is important to know what kind of medication you need, why you need it, and its overall efficacy. Several years ago, the American Medical Association and the American Osteopathic Physician’s Association began to use the drug Zyban as a quit smoking pill. The FDA approved Zyban for this use as well.

There is no quit smoking pill that will make you stop smoking. Even if you take the pill, if you want to smoke anyway, you will. In fact, there is no medication or technique that will make you stop smoking; this is your choice.

What is a Quit Smoking Pill?

The generic medication Bupropion is marketed under several different names for several different conditions. It is also called Wellbutrin and Zyban. Its primary classification is as an antidepressant drug, used to treat moderate to severe depression, bi-polar depression and Attention Deficit Disorder. In the late 1990’s, Bupropion was given the brand name, Zyban, for use as a quit smoking pill. Wellbutrin is a well-known and widely used antidepressant; Zyban is still under watch as a quit smoking pill.

If you smoke, this doesn’t mean that you are depressed or have ADD. Antidepressant drugs are widely used for a variety of syndromes such as chronic pain, insomnia and sexual dysfunction. As a quit smoking pill, Zyban helps reduce physical cravings for nicotine, eases the mood irritability and anxiety that occur with nicotine withdrawal, and reduces the insomnia that smoking cessation often causes. These are all symptoms of early withdrawal from nicotine that will eventually subside. You and your physician should discuss whether Zyban may be useful for you as a quit smoking pill.

Zyban, like all medications, has some uncomfortable side effects when used as a quit smoking pill or an antidepressant. These side effects include rebound insomnia, Central Nervous System stimulation, headaches, constipation, dry mouth, nausea and tremors. You may have all or none of these symptoms when using Zyban as a quit smoking pill. Research indicates that in most cases, these side effects were not distressing enough to warrant cessation of the drug. However, you should inform your physician if you experience side effects. There are other medications that can be used to minimize Zyban’s side effects. Yes, you would have to take one pill to reduce the side effects of another pill!

You must make the choice of using Zyban as a quit smoking pill and cope with side effects, if any, vs. the serious harm that smoking causes in your body.

No Shortage of Quit Smoking Programs!

There are numerous quit smoking programs organized by hospitals, clinics and support groups in most cities. They offer different types of techniques to help habitual smokers quit for good. As a smoker you may have tried many quit smoking programs but may have not been able to succeed for keeps. There is no need to lose heart as now many of these quit smoking programs analyze why you smoke and help you find the ways that will work best with you.

Scientifically run quit smoking programs believe that smokers can be divided into two major groups. The coordinator determines which group a smoker belongs to with the help of a questionnaire. Some people smoke because it stimulates them, or they find it pleasurable, or it helps them relax. There are specific quit smoking programs that are tailored for this category of smokers.

Others smoke because it helps relieve tension, or out of a habit, or a craving. The quit smoking programs designed for these people takes into consideration that there is a problem of addiction to nicotine with these people. Appropriate measures are taken to ensure that they can quit for good. Often these programs are best conducted under medical supervision, and many hospitals have effective tobacco cessation programs.

Making Quit Smoking Programs Work

Anyone who plans to quit should seek support from his or her family and friends. Announce to them that you plan to give up smoking and ask them to help you go through with it. Other smokers in the family should be encouraged to quit at the same time. Will power and a keen desire to quit smoking play a crucial role in the success of the plan, so list out all the advantages of not smoking and remind yourself about them all the time.

The quit smoking programs for group one smokers, who smoke when they feel good, may need a kind of substitute. Try jogging, swimming or even chewing gum. Get plenty of rest and drink a lot of fluids. Some people take comfort by holding a coin or keys in their hands. Find a new hobby and soon you will find you do not need a cigarette to relax.

Nicotine patches or chewing gum can help wean a person who cannot do without the nicotine inhaled in cigarettes. Sometimes however ‘cold turkey’ is the only way they can stop. Take each day as it comes – one day at a time. Make sure your support system is there to help you tide over the difficult times. Very often, measures such as hypnotherapy are successful with these smokers.