Which Medicines Work Well for Quitting Smoking?

The most common preventable cause of death in the US is tobacco smoking. Smoking is linked to a ten-year reduction in life expectancy compared to non-smokers and a greater incidence of lung disease, heart disease, and cancer.

Smoking can also hasten the aging process by hastening the appearance of wrinkles and loss of hearing and vision. Around 17% of adults in the United States currently smoke, with smokers most prevalent in the 25 to 64 age group. Children in particular are at risk from secondhand smoke, according to research.

Medicines That Can Help People Stop Smoking

You can buy over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications to assist you to stop smoking. During a period of weeks, the dose or quantity of these products gradually decreases. Your pharmacist can offer advice on selecting an over-the-counter nicotine replacement solution. Gum, lozenges, a nasal spray, and a patch that adheres to your skin are some of these items.

In addition, there are prescription medications that reduce dopamine levels in the brain to relieve withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and eliminate the pleasurable effects of tobacco usage. These medicines include varenicline or bupropion (Zyban) (Chantix). Although effective, some medicines may not be suitable for everyone. You can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using these medications with your doctor or pharmacist.

Additional Tools That are Accessible Could Aid with Quitting Smoking

There are smartphone apps like quitGuide or quitSmart that can provide you with advice, tools, and support when you recover. Also, there are chatting services like SmokefreeTXT, SmokefreeMOM, and SmokefreeVet that offer encouragement and support for quitting smoking. There is a Spanish version of them. For more details on these programs, go to smokefree.gov.

Are e-cigarettes a Viable Choice for Me to Quit Smoking Regular Cigarettes?

The use of e-cigarettes has been linked to health hazards, despite the fact that they were first created as a way to help people in quitting smoking. E-cigarette products contain substances and metals that link to cancer of the mouth, esophagus (the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach), and pancreas.

Moreover, they could release poisonous substances that harm the lungs. A higher risk of heart disease and stroke is relatable with using e-cigarettes. These dangers make them a poor replacement for regular tobacco cigarettes.

The Bottom Line

You can get a lot of assistance from your pharmacist if you want to stop smoking. If you have any inquiries concerning the dangers of smoking, the most effective ways to stop it, or whether medications might be beneficial to achieving your objective of bettering your health, be sure to get in touch with them.