Smoking tobacco is linked to serious disease and disability in nearly every organ system of the body. Besides lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It also increases the risk of several medical conditions like tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, immune conditions, and eye diseases.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 16 million Americans are living with diseases caused by smoking. Overall mortality in both men and women is about three times higher in smokers compared to people who have never smoked. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.

No matter how much or how long you’ve been smoking, quitting will benefit your health. It will also lower the risk of serious medical conditions like heart disease and lung cancer in your loved ones who are exposed to your second-hand smoke.

Quitting smoking can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Surveys reveal that around 7 out of 10 smokers want to quit. It often takes multiple attempts for people to give up smoking. Smoking cessation products can help double the chances of quitting successfully. These products are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ensure they are safe and effective.

Medications for Smoking Cessation

Nicotine replacement therapy: Nicotine is the primary addictive substance in tobacco. When smokers try to quit, they experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms that discourage them from continuing to stay abstinent. Smoking cessation products help to gradually wean tobacco users from nicotine by providing a small amount of nicotine that decreases over time. This is known as nicotine replacement therapy. It provides a controlled amount of nicotine to keep withdrawal symptoms at bay while sparing the smoker from exposure to the hundreds of toxic chemicals found in tobacco products. A nicotine replacement medication called Nicotrol (oral inhaler and nasal spray) is available by prescription in the US and is FDA-approved for use by adults.

FDA-approved prescription medications: The FDA has approved two prescription medications (Chantix and Zyban) for smoking cessation. These medications do not contain nicotine. They are available in tablet form. Chantix works by reducing the rewarding effects of nicotine, making it less likely a person will smoke. Zyban contains the same active ingredient as the antidepressant Wellbutrin – it is unclear by what mechanism it helps in reducing smoking.

Over-the-Counter Medications for Smoking Cessation

Many products for quitting smoking that contain nicotine as the active ingredient are available over-the-counter to adults over the age of 18. They are in the form of lozenges, skin patches, chewing gum, and other nicotine replacement products. You should make sure you follow the label instructions carefully when using a smoking cessation aid. Talk to a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have questions about any OTC medications. If you need to use these products for the long-term to stay smoke-free, it is recommended that you speak to a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option.

It is especially important that you speak to a healthcare provider before using OTC nicotine replacement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat, asthma, or stomach ulcers.

Common Side Effects of Smoking Cessation Medications

Nicotine replacement products can cause nausea, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, irregular or fast heartbeat, mouth irritation with the chewing gum or lozenges, and redness or swelling around the skin patch.

Common side effects of Chantix are constipation, vomiting, gas, vivid dreams, and trouble sleeping. Chantix can change how your body reacts to alcohol, so if you are a drinker, you should let your prescribing doctor know. Zyban can cause insomnia and dry mouth. More serious side effects of prescription smoking cessation medications include depression, mood changes, hostility, aggression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. You should speak to the prescribing doctor as soon as possible if you experience these side effects.

Common Questions

What is the best way to quit smoking?

Experts recommend setting a quit date – the day you will begin your attempt to break free of your tobacco addiction. Getting the support and encouragement of your loved one is also important. Telling people that you’re going to quit smoking can help them support you. There are support groups and online forums where you can learn from others who’ve been in your shoes. Counseling can sometimes be helpful.

I’ve tried to quit smoking before and was unsuccessful. Does it mean I can never quit?

As noted, quitting smoking is challenging but not impossible. Most people try to quit 2-3 times before they’re successful. Millions of people have successfully quit smoking and you can too. Try doing things differently from your last attempt and think about what worked and what didn’t. You can consider seeing a doctor for some practical advice and to see if a prescription or OTC smoking cessation medication can help.

Can I get a discount on smoking cessation products with BuzzRx?

Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including smoking cessation products—as long as they are OTC products or you have a signed prescription from your doctor. There are many products and services available to help you quit.

References:

1.   https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/health_effects/index.htm

2.   https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/tobacco_related_mortality/

3.   https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/want-quit-smoking-fda-approved-products-can-help