Constipation Treatments

Medications To Help You Stop Smoking

Enter your local food market or drug store and packages of cigarettes constantly taunt you to buy more and smoke more. Unfortunately, cigarettes contain nicotine, a harmful and addicting substance that can make you susceptible to developing mouth, lip, throat and lung cancer. Also, nicotine elevates your chances of suffering a heart attack and stroke. So, nip smoking in the bud and find out your medicinal options for stopping this unhealthy habit.

FamilyDoctor.org says that there exist a variety of reasons to stop smoking. For example, smoking is expensive, it causes bad breath, stains your teeth and hands and it can lead to breathing problems. Other reasons include the fact that smoking leads to premature skin wrinkling and it also causes sore throats and a cough.

So, if you're serious about smoking cessation, understand the medications that can help quell the habit.

Chantix (varenicline) is a commonly prescribed drug that works to block the pleasant effects of smoking, says Drugs.com. This plays a huge role in curbing your cravings. Chantix's common side effects includes nausea, weakness, tiredness, a headache, trouble sleeping, weakness and vomiting. Chantix also causes constipation and weight gain. It is important to know that Chantix can lead to drowsiness. This is especially dangerous when driving out on the open road or operating heavy machinery. Chantix treatment is not a miracle drug for smoking cessation as you will take this tablet as prescribed, for twelve weeks. It takes time and patience is required.

Buproprion also known under the brand names Wellbutrin, Zyban and Alplenzin, is an antidepressant medication that actually alters the activity in the brain, says MedlinePlus. This helps to control your smoking habit. Bupropion common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, a headache, weight loss, constipation and sweating. This drug also causes a headache and excitement. In the worse case scenario, bupropropion may cause you to develop seizures, hives, hallucinations, chest pain and trouble breathing. Bupropion is prescribed as a regular, extended-release and sustained-release tablet. MedlinePlus says that the regular tablet is consumed three to four times daily, while the sustained-released tablet is taken two times a day. The extended-release tablet is typically taken once a day.

NicoDerm CQ is patch placed onto the skin where the nicotine gel is absorbed and enters your blood stream. It is important to know that NicoDerm CQ's common side effects include high blood pressure, nausea and skin redness, says Drugs.com. You should not smoke, chew or use any nicotine-containing products while using Nicoderm CQ. You may inadvertently overdose on nicotine.

Chantix, bupropion and NicoDerm CQ are just a few of the many smoking cessation medications available at your fingertips. Talk to your doctor if you are seriously considering kicking the habit. Medications are typically combined with counseling, talk therapy and support groups. Kick smoking habit for good and start living a healthy lifestyle.

Sources: FamilyDoctor.org. SmokingDrugs.com ChantixMedlinePlus BupropionDrugs.comNicoDerm CQ