Google “quit smoking” and you’ll find dozens of remedies, from gum to hypnosis to all-organic herbal treatments. Only a handful, though, come with a seal of approval from such experts as the American Heart Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Cancer Institute.
Check with your doctor before using any approach — and be aware that many have side effects or could interact with other medications.
Non-nicotine medicines
These drugs work by blocking brain chemicals that cause cravings.
Pros: Don’t contain nicotine, so can be used while you gradually reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke.
Cons: All require a prescription and can have negative interactions with other medications.
Zyban, Wellbutrin (bupropion)
Pros: Usually used to treat depression, bupropion is also approved for smoking cessation; sometimes covered by insurance.
Cons: According to the American Lung Association, if you haven’t made significant headway toward quitting by week seven, bupropion likely won’t work for you.
Chantix (varenicline)
Pros: A 2006 Food and Drug Administration report found that varenicline was more effective than bupropion.
Cons: Can take up to a week to be effective.
Nicotine replacements
Pros: Help wean you off nicotine while relieving cravings.
Cons: Because they contain nicotine, it’s important to refrain completely from smoking while using them, or you can end up increasing your nicotine intake.
Commit (lozenge)
Pros: Available over-the-counter; allows you to adjust your use.
Cons: Drinking coffee, alcohol, soda or orange juice within 15 minutes of using the lozenge lessens its effect and might leave you craving another one.
Nicotrol, Habitrol, Nicoderm (patch)
Pros: Over-the-counter; comes in different strengths so you can tailor your use to your needs.
Cons: Not as flexible as the lozenge or gum; needs to be changed at least once a day; can cause irritation on the skin or while sleeping.
Nicotrol (spray and inhaler)
Pros: Can be used longer than is recommended for the gum, lozenge and patch: up to six months. Get nicotine into your bloodstream (and relieves symptoms) faster than a lozenge or gum.
Cons: Require a prescription.
SOURCES: American Lung Association, American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Food and Drug Administration and medication Web sites
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