NicFree - quit smoking, nicotine, nicotine withdrawal, quit smoking resources

People who want to quit smoking can now do so with a lot of help unlike before when they are left on their own devices.  The availability of nicotine replacements, medications and the popularity of alternative therapies have surely made the decision to quit smoking (and the act of actually quitting their addiction) a lot easier.

The approval of the US Food and Drug Administration of anti-smoking medications like Chantix and Zyban is welcome news to would-be quitters.  But which of these medications is more effective?  Check this out.

Varenicline or Chantix was approved by the FDA as a stop-smoking medication in 2006 while Zyban was approved by the FDA in 1997.  Zyban used to be known as Bupropion or Wellbutrin which is an anti-depressant drug, but it was rebranded as an anti-smoking medication.  Chantix is manufactured by Pfizer while Zyban is distributed by GlaxoSmithKline.

The approval of Chantix (the second anti-smoking drug) has made the fight against smoking stronger.  People now have a choice as to which medication to take depending on their preference and the efficacy of the medication.  European studies on the efficacy of the medications however show that Chantix had a 22% abstinence rate compared to Zyban’s 16%.

Both Chantix and Zyban are available only by prescription so those who plan to quit smoking with the aid of any of these drugs should see their doctors first. Both medications work differently. Chantix cuts the pleasure that the smoker gets from smoking and lessens nicotine withdrawal symptoms.  Zyban on the other hand is effective in reducing cravings and in providing depression relief to quitters.  This medication is best used with a nicotine patch.

Doctors recommend that Chantix be taken a week before quitting while Zyban at least two weeks before quitting time to maximize the efficacy of the medications.   Both medications are prescribed by doctors for 12 weeks until the smoker is smoke-free.

Like most medications, Chantix and Zyban have side effects including nausea, vomiting, headache, insomnia and abnormal palate or change sin the way your food tastes.   Both medications should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women. Those with kidney problems are usually given lower doses of Chantix.  Zyban is not ideal for those with eating disorders or those who have a history of seizures. 

So which medication should you use?  Aside from your doctor’s prescription, it is also important to consider your existing medical conditions when choosing an anti-smoking medication.  While both medications work similarly, they may have different effects on each person.