You may have tried to quit smoking by using aids like lozenges, nicotine gums, abstinence and even rehab. But, you still aren’t able to kick the obnoxious habit. Some people manage to quit for a few days, but the withdrawal symptoms are so severe, that they rush back to their old habit of puffing. If you are one of those struggling to quit smoking, there is good news for you. Read on to learn more about popular medications that can help you quit smoking for good.
Anti-smoking Medications
Anti-smoking medications such as Bupropion and Varenicline can help stop the urge to puff, besides reducing withdrawal symptoms after one quits. Most of these medications have the same mechanism. Nicotine in cigarettes stimulates the brain to release chemicals such as dopamine. This chemical gives you the ‘relaxed’ feeling when you smoke. Anti-smoking medications stimulate the brain into releasing lesser amounts of dopamine. This reduces the urge to puff.
Besides, these medications also improve the tolerance to withdrawal symptoms. Varenicline can even block the nicotine receptors situated in the brain. As a result, if you start smoking again, you will not feel the same ‘high’.
Tips to Take Anti-smoking Medications
You should be responsible while taking anti-smoking medications. They can be bought at most drugstores without prescription. However, consult your doctor first before using them. Do not start smoking while using these medications. This is because, these medications contain small amounts of nicotine. Therefore, you will overdose on nicotine if you smoke while using anti-smoking medications. Pregnant women are advised to desist from using these anti-smoking medications.
Tips to Quit Smoking
Read on to learn a few useful tips to quit smoking for good starting today.
- Start smoking your first cigarette one hour later each day.
- Smoke a brand that is not tasteful or satisfactory.
- Cut down your quantity by one each day, till you are down to just one cigarette per day.
- Focus on the harmful effects of smoking while you are puffing.
- Seek help from a support group, friends or family members to deal with withdrawal symptoms.
- The withdrawal symptoms are severe initially, but console yourself that this too shall pass.
- Take the challenge of quitting smoking as a test of your determination, perseverance and resilience.
