Can a Quit Smoking Pill Help You Stop Smoking Cigarettes?

I smoked on and off, mostly on, from my late teens to my mid-thirties. Quitting cigarettes was one of the hardest things I have had to do in my life. I had stretches where I quit for a few weeks and two periods of over a year without smoking, but until a few years ago I always resumed smoking at some point. I quit for good after trying many, many times with the aid of a quit smoking pill called Zyban. I have not had a cigarette in a few years now and I can honestly say that I do not miss it.

As everyone is well aware, the nicotine supplied in tobacco is very addictive making it extremely difficult to break the addiction and stop smoking cigarettes. It is very challenging to put an end to a destructive habit that your body has become accustomed to and is now dependant on physically. A quit smoking pill such as Zyban or Chantix may help with the cravings and make the idea of quitting cigarettes a reality. Quit smoking pills can help break the habit of smoking cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco.

Studies have shown that your likelihood of success in quitting cigarettes is increased by using additional aids like quit smoking pills as opposed to willpower alone. Doctors and smoking cessation experts often recommend the use of nicotine replacements or medicines when a person makes the decision to quit. Quit smoking pills help with the withdrawal symptoms that cause many patients to fail in their effort to stop smoking cigarettes.

Quit Smoking Pills Chantix and Zyban

Varenicline (Chantix) or bupropion (Zyban) are commonly prescribed by physicians to aid in the fight to kick the smoking habit. Less common, but sometimes used to ease cravings or withdrawal symptoms, are nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor) and clonidine (Catapres). These medications differ from nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine gum in that there is absolutely no nicotine in any of these medications.

Zyban is an antidepressant that works by reducing the magnitude of cravings for nicotine and decreasing the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Chantix works slightly differently by reducing cravings and also reducing the pleasing effect of nicotine. Studies have shown Chantix to be the more effective of the two.

Quit Smoking Pill Side Effects

While a quit smoking pill can increase your chances of quitting smoking for good, these medicines are not without side effects. Talk to your doctor at length about side effects and whether quit smoking pills are right for you based on your medical history. Side effects can include nausea, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, difficulty sleeping and others. I myself experienced some trouble sleeping and constipation, but I cannot say it was not worth it.

Are Quit Smoking Pills Right for You?

While I cannot say with one hundred percent certainty that taking a quit smoking pill was the difference, I can say that I have not smoked after using Zyban. I had additional help as well in the form of support from friends and plenty of encouragement from my family. If you are thinking about quitting cigarettes or have made up your mind to quit smoking, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe medication, have useful advice or recommend helpful resources. Taking quit smoking pills does not guarantee success, but they can help.