Stop Smoking Drugs – Do They Work

Many people find that they cannot stop smoking without the aid of a drug. Stop smoking drugs such as Zyban and Chantix are different from nicotine replacement therapies because they do not contain nicotine.

Unlike drugs, nicotine replacement therapies such as the patch, nicotine gum, inhalers and lozenges can be acquired without a prescription. To use Zyban and Chantix, you need a prescription. There is little difference in cost between the drugs and the nicotine replacement therapies.

How Do the Drugs Work?

Stop smoking drugs have the same active ingredient as the powerful antidepressant Wellbutrin, bupripion. It is thought that these drugs shut down the receptors in the brain that crave nicotine, as well as stabilize the powerful mood swings that often occur as a nicotine withdrawal symptom.

There is another drug available in Europe but not allowed in America called both Zimulti and Acomplia. This stop smoking drug causes weight loss, less smoking cravings, but also makes many people who try it get very depressed and sometimes psychotic (such as engaging in self mutilation.) Because of these side effects it is a risky drug to take.

Do the Drugs Work?

Stop smoking drugs work very well in clinical trials but not so well to the general population. It could be that people who participate in clinical trials are more focused on having good health than the average person and so are more likely to quit smoking. They are more likely to succeed because they really want to.

And this is the key for getting off of any kind of addiction, including a smoking addiction. No stop smoking drug or therapy in the world will MAKE you stop smoking. You have to decide that you no longer want to smoke and stick to that decision.

You might have come to a time in your life when you have had enough with smoking. You realize that you risk incredible pain if you continue to smoke. For some people, this is the only way they will stop.

If you have decided that it is time to quit smoking, then taking stop smoking drugs can help get you through the first few months of non-smoking life. The first two or three months are when the withdrawal cravings wrap their fingers around your body and shake you back and forth. But they can be conquered, and these drugs could help.

Here's an interesting video that discusses the two stop smoking drugs and nicotine replacement therapies.

Tags: Stop Smoking Aids