In general, it can be very difficult to overcome an addiction to smoking . Depending on genetic factors, how much you smoke and how long you've smoked, you may find it extremely difficult to quit smoking. It is a well known fact that the genetic factors determine how susceptible someone is to a nicotine addiction. That's why some people need more than their willpower to quit smoking. Fortunately, there are medical aids to quit smoking that will help address your body's dependence on nicotine. You will then be able to concentrate your willpower on important aspects of the addiction: the social associations you likely have with smoking.
The nicotine patch has been for many years the standard medical stop-smoking aid. This patch is attached to your skin and releases a steady supply of nicotine to your bloodstream. Another approach has become popular fairly recently : the drug Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride.)
The effectiveness of Zyban as an anti-smoking aid was discovered in an unexpected way: originally, it was an anti-depressant. During clinical trials of the drug, the researchers discovered that it had a side effect. Indeed, many smokers who were participating in the trials lost interest in cigarettes and found it very easy to quit smoking. Consequently, after more research, it was determined that the drug was an efficient stop-smoking aid, and the FDA approved it for such use in 1997.
Zyban doesn't work at all like the nicotine patch. The patch supplies nicotine to the bloodstream, while Zyban alters the brain chemistry reducing greatly the desire for smoking - lots of users find that cigarettes simply don't have the same appealing after taking the drug. Zyban doesn't supply or regulate nicotine in the bloodstream.
Zyban will usually be the most effective if it's taken a few weeks before you actually quit smoking. Like all anti-depressants, Zyban's effects take time to manifest. After taking the drug for some time, you stop smoking, and of course if all goes well you'll find the process a lot easier than if you didn't use any quit smoking aid.
However, it is very important to remember that Zyban is a prescription drug that alters brain chemistry. In fact, even researchers are not sure exactly how it really works. All they know is that it does work for many people. Naturally, you will have to consult your doctor before taking the decision of using Zyban. It is crucial that Zyban is not taken in combination with other drugs.
Most importantly, make sure to ask your doctor about the possible side effects of using Zyban as an aid to quit smoking. Some common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia and dizziness. In rarer cases, more serious side effects, seizures for example, can occur. It is also important to discuss with your doctor the situations in which you should not take Zyban, like if you are abruptly stopping the use of alcohol, or have a history of seizures.
Zyban can be a very effective tool in your battle to quit smoking, but you should approach it with caution and discuss it properly with your doctor.
There are lots of quit smoking aids available. I always recommend to consult your doctor to decide which one can be the most effective for you. Medical aids can help you quit smoking more easily.
