Quitting Smoking: Should I Use Medicine
What is a Decision Point?
Quitting Smoking: Should I Use Medicine?You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Quitting Smoking: Should I Use Medicine? Get the facts Your options
Key points to remember
FAQs What are the medicines?Your doctor may prescribe varenicline (Chantix) or bupropion (Zyban) to help you cope with cravings for tobacco. These medicines are pills that don't contain nicotine. You also can use nicotine replacement products, which do contain nicotine. Medicines that don't have nicotine
Nicotine replacement products Nicotine replacement gives your body some nicotine to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Nicotine is addictive. But this treatment has about one-third to one-half the amount of nicotine in most cigarettes. It also delivers the nicotine slowly, so it's not as addicting as the nicotine in cigarettes. And these products don't have the harmful tars, carbon monoxide, and other toxic chemicals that are in tobacco. There are several types of nicotine replacement:
Nicotine nasal spray (Nicotrol) is another nicotine replacement. It is not widely used. See your doctor about this medicine. You can buy nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges without a prescription. You need a prescription to buy inhalers. You may be able to use a couple of these products at the same time, such as a patch and gum. But talk to your doctor first to make sure it's okay to mix nicotine medicines. People younger than age 18 can't buy the over-the-counter products, but a doctor may prescribe them. Talk to your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant and want to stop smoking. Most doctors will recommend that you try other ways to stop smoking before using nicotine replacement. Be sure to talk your doctor before using these products if you have a health condition, such as mental illness or heart problems. How well do medicines work?Medicines can double your chances of quitting.1
What are the risks of using medicine to quit smoking?Medicines that don't have nicotine The most common side effects of varenicline (Chantix) include:
Some people also have side effects such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Some people who take bupropion SR (Zyban) have:
There is a small risk of having seizures when you use bupropion. The risk increases if you have had a head injury or seizures. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. When you stop smoking, there may be a change in how other medicines work for you. FDA warning. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people who are taking bupropion (Zyban) or varenicline (Chantix) and who experience any serious or unusual changes in mood or behavior or who feel like hurting themselves or someone else should stop taking the medicine and call a doctor right away. The FDA also warns that varenicline (Chantix) may be linked with a small, increased risk of heart problems (including heart attack) in people who have heart disease. Nicotine replacement products The side effects depend on the type of nicotine replacement product.
There is a small chance of addiction with the gum or lozenges. Why might your doctor recommend that you use medicine?Your doctor might recommend that you use medicine to stop smoking if:
Compare your options Compare
Use medicines to quit
smoking Use medicines to quit
smoking
Don't use medicines
Don't use medicines
Personal stories Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide. Personal stories from people who have quit smokingThese stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. I started smoking when I was in the military. But it is affecting my health, and I want to quit. I've tried the patch, gum, and cold-turkey methods to quit, and they didn't work. So I talked with my doctor about quitting, and he suggested that I try using Chantix. He also recommended that I have counseling and join a support group. It's been a little over a month since I started Chantix, and so far it is helping with my craving to smoke. Talking in counseling is also helpful. I think I finally am going to be able to quit. Dave, age 42 I thought about taking medicine to quit smoking, but I already take several other medicines for health problems. I just didn't want to take another prescription medicine and take the chance that it might cause problems. So I decided to try the nicotine patch. I set a date and started planning for the physical effects of quitting, like having munchies around and cleaning my car and house. I started with the largest patch available. It was great because the withdrawal symptoms were hardly noticeable. Then I went to the medium patch and finally the smallest patch. Now I don't smoke anymore. Alanna, age 44 I started smoking at 15. I always thought I could quit at any time and had tried to quit dozens of times. But then I'd start craving a smoke, and I'd go back to cigarettes. A few years ago, my doctor suggested I try taking Zyban and nicotine gum. It was great, because between the pills and the gum, the withdrawal symptoms were hardly noticeable. I was done with the gum after the first few weeks, but I ended up staying on the pills for 6 months. But using both worked for me, and I haven't smoked for 2 years. Carlo, age 52 My friends pushed me to quit smoking and suggested I talk to my doctor about getting some medicine to help. But I just wasn't comfortable with the idea of taking medicine. I have a strong will, and when I put my mind to doing something, I can usually do it. So I took my doctor's advice to have professional counseling to help improve my chances of success. I quit smoking—cold turkey—5 months ago. All my friends are really surprised that I could quit like that. It has been tough at times fighting the cravings, but it has worked. Kesia, age 35 What matters most to you? Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. Reasons to use medicine to quit smoking Reasons not to use medicine I want to use medicine if it can increase my chances of quitting. I don't like using medicine. More important Equally important More important I'm not concerned about possible side effects. I am very concerned about side effects. More important Equally important More important I'm not worried about how I will pay for the medicine. I'm worried about how I will pay for the medicine. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important Where are you leaning now? Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. Using medicine NOT using medicine Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward What else do you need to make your decision? Check the facts 1.
Using medicine can double my chances of quitting smoking.
2.
My chances of quitting are even better if I get counseling along with using medicine.
3.
I shouldn't use nicotine replacement products, because they're just as bad as the nicotine in cigarettes.
Decide what's next 1.
Do you understand the options available to you? 2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? 3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Certainty 1.
How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2.
Check what you need to do before you make this decision. 3.
Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps. Your Summary Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Your decisionNext steps Which way you're leaning How sure you are Your comments Your knowledge of the factsKey concepts that you understood Key concepts that may need review Getting ready to actPatient choices Credits and ReferencesCredits
References Citations
You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them. Quitting Smoking: Should I Use Medicine?Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
1. Get the factsYour options
Key points to remember
FAQs What are the medicines?Your doctor may prescribe varenicline (Chantix) or bupropion (Zyban) to help you cope with cravings for tobacco. These medicines are pills that don't contain nicotine. You also can use nicotine replacement products, which do contain nicotine. Medicines that don't have nicotine
Nicotine replacement products Nicotine replacement gives your body some nicotine to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Nicotine is addictive. But this treatment has about one-third to one-half the amount of nicotine in most cigarettes. It also delivers the nicotine slowly, so it's not as addicting as the nicotine in cigarettes. And these products don't have the harmful tars, carbon monoxide, and other toxic chemicals that are in tobacco. There are several types of nicotine replacement:
Nicotine nasal spray (Nicotrol) is another nicotine replacement. It is not widely used. See your doctor about this medicine. You can buy nicotine gum, patches, and lozenges without a prescription. You need a prescription to buy inhalers. You may be able to use a couple of these products at the same time, such as a patch and gum. But talk to your doctor first to make sure it's okay to mix nicotine medicines. People younger than age 18 can't buy the over-the-counter products, but a doctor may prescribe them. Talk to your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant and want to stop smoking. Most doctors will recommend that you try other ways to stop smoking before using nicotine replacement. Be sure to talk your doctor before using these products if you have a health condition, such as mental illness or heart problems. How well do medicines work?Medicines can double your chances of quitting.1
What are the risks of using medicine to quit smoking?Medicines that don't have nicotine The most common side effects of varenicline (Chantix) include:
Some people also have side effects such as nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Some people who take bupropion SR (Zyban) have:
There is a small risk of having seizures when you use bupropion. The risk increases if you have had a head injury or seizures. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. When you stop smoking, there may be a change in how other medicines work for you. FDA warning. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people who are taking bupropion (Zyban) or varenicline (Chantix) and who experience any serious or unusual changes in mood or behavior or who feel like hurting themselves or someone else should stop taking the medicine and call a doctor right away. The FDA also warns that varenicline (Chantix) may be linked with a small, increased risk of heart problems (including heart attack) in people who have heart disease. Nicotine replacement products The side effects depend on the type of nicotine replacement product.
There is a small chance of addiction with the gum or lozenges. Why might your doctor recommend that you use medicine?Your doctor might recommend that you use medicine to stop smoking if:
2. Compare your options
Personal storiesAre you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These personal stories may help you decide. Personal stories from people who have quit smokingThese stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. "I started smoking when I was in the military. But it is affecting my health, and I want to quit. I've tried the patch, gum, and cold-turkey methods to quit, and they didn't work. So I talked with my doctor about quitting, and he suggested that I try using Chantix. He also recommended that I have counseling and join a support group. It's been a little over a month since I started Chantix, and so far it is helping with my craving to smoke. Talking in counseling is also helpful. I think I finally am going to be able to quit." — Dave, age 42 "I thought about taking medicine to quit smoking, but I already take several other medicines for health problems. I just didn't want to take another prescription medicine and take the chance that it might cause problems. So I decided to try the nicotine patch. I set a date and started planning for the physical effects of quitting, like having munchies around and cleaning my car and house. I started with the largest patch available. It was great because the withdrawal symptoms were hardly noticeable. Then I went to the medium patch and finally the smallest patch. Now I don't smoke anymore." — Alanna, age 44 "I started smoking at 15. I always thought I could quit at any time and had tried to quit dozens of times. But then I'd start craving a smoke, and I'd go back to cigarettes. A few years ago, my doctor suggested I try taking Zyban and nicotine gum. It was great, because between the pills and the gum, the withdrawal symptoms were hardly noticeable. I was done with the gum after the first few weeks, but I ended up staying on the pills for 6 months. But using both worked for me, and I haven't smoked for 2 years." — Carlo, age 52 "My friends pushed me to quit smoking and suggested I talk to my doctor about getting some medicine to help. But I just wasn't comfortable with the idea of taking medicine. I have a strong will, and when I put my mind to doing something, I can usually do it. So I took my doctor's advice to have professional counseling to help improve my chances of success. I quit smoking—cold turkey—5 months ago. All my friends are really surprised that I could quit like that. It has been tough at times fighting the cravings, but it has worked." — Kesia, age 35 "The first time I tried to quit, I went cold turkey. It only lasted a week. The next time I tried some kind of gum. This was in the '70s or '80s, so it was whatever kind of gum was available then, probably not the same as nicotine gum now. I quit smoking for a year that time, but I always craved cigarettes. The third time was right before I turned 60. I used Zyban and the nicotine patch for 6 weeks. I'm amazed at how well it worked. I have had no cravings for cigarettes, even from the very first day when I had my morning coffee. My father-in-law told me that, even 20 years after quitting, he still craved cigarettes every day, so that's what I was expecting. I didn't even throw away my cigarettes because I didn't expect it to work, but it worked incredibly well." — Roy, age 63 "I started smoking at 13. I always thought I could quit at any time. But at 33 I was smoking a pack a day and had tried to quit dozens of times. I tried cold turkey. I was so grumpy I made a waiter cry. I tried hypnosis. It didn't work. I tried nicotine gum. It didn't work either. Finally, I tried the patch. I started with the largest one available. It was great because the withdrawal symptoms were hardly noticeable. Then I went to the medium patch and finally the smallest patch. I was really nervous about taking off that last patch. But I'd tapered off the nicotine so much that I had no withdrawal symptoms. That was nearly 12 years ago and I'm still smoke-free." — Nancy, age 46 "Cigarettes were my best friend. They went on all my traveling adventures and they were there for me when I needed them, through heartbreaks, frustrations, and new jobs—20 years of companionship. I set a date and started planning. I bit the bullet and sent an e-mail out to all my friends and family, and I was floored by the support I got. A friend recommended acupuncture, so I made an appointment. For added incentive, I added daily exercise and a dog to my "new life." It has been 4 months and I am still a nonsmoker. I had daily cravings for the first 2 weeks, but now I go entire days without even thinking about cigarettes. If I ever start feeling on the edge, I will head right back to the acupuncturist for a tune-up!" — Leta, age 35 "I quit smoking cold turkey 3 months ago. All my friends are really surprised that I quit. I mean, I would wake up every 2 hours at night to smoke a cigarette. People just identified me with smoking. I finally decided it was time to quit when I couldn't catch my breath walking up stairs. Other than gaining a few pounds, it really hasn't been bad." — Ian, age 52 3. What matters most to you?Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements. Reasons to use medicine to quit smoking Reasons not to use medicine I want to use medicine if it can increase my chances of quitting. I don't like using medicine. More important Equally important More important I'm not concerned about possible side effects. I am very concerned about side effects. More important Equally important More important I'm not worried about how I will pay for the medicine. I'm worried about how I will pay for the medicine. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important 4. Where are you leaning now?Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now. Using medicine NOT using medicine Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward 5. What else do you need to make your decision?Check the facts1. Using medicine can double my chances of quitting smoking.
You're right. Using medicine can double your chances of quitting smoking. It can relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms. 2. My chances of quitting are even better if I get counseling along with using medicine.
That's right. Counseling and medicine together can increase your chances of quitting even more. 3. I shouldn't use nicotine replacement products, because they're just as bad as the nicotine in cigarettes.
You're right. Nicotine is addictive. But by itself, it's not nearly as harmful as smoking. Tars, carbon monoxide, and other toxic chemicals in tobacco cause the harmful effects. Decide what's next1. Do you understand the options available to you? 2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you? 3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice? Certainty1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps. Credits
References Citations
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version. Last Revised: August 5, 2011 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & John Hughes, MD - Psychiatry eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise 
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions. To learn more visit Healthwise.org © 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. |
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