You should also decide whether you are going to use medicines. These can help reduce withdrawal symptoms after you give up. Remember there is no miracle cure – you will still need to put effort into quitting. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before your Quit Day.
Remember you can quit without using medicines.
Medicines to help you stop smoking can be bought from a chemist. You should think about using these medicines if you smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day or have tried unsuccessfully to stop several times. There are two types of medicines.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
Addiction to nicotine is the main reason for smoking. You get urges to smoke as the nicotine levels in the blood fall. By getting nicotine from a safer source than cigarettes, like nicotine gum, patches, spray or tablets, smoking withdrawal symptoms can be reduced.
These products generally provide less nicotine than cigarette smoking. So, it does not totally remove the cravings and other withdrawal symptoms but does reduce them.
Here are some tips on using nicotine replacement products:
1. Use as much of the nicotine replacement products as you need to relieve withdrawal. Use the gum, spray or tablets before the cravings or discomfort becomes strong.
2. You can use nicotine replacement products for up to 12 weeks.
3. Research suggests that combining the nicotine patch with either the gum, spray or tablets may work better. Put on the patch in the morning and then use the gum, spray or tablet in addition at the times which are particularly difficult.
Nicotine replacement products are available as over the counter medications, and have to be used in a special way. Ask your chemist about how to use them
Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant that helps people stop smoking. It does not contain nicotine but acts in the part of the brain that causes the craving for nicotine.
Use of bupropion should begin 1 to 2 weeks before stopping smoking, and it should be used for 7 to 9 weeks after quitting. This medicine should not be taken if you have ever had seizures, serious head injury, mental illness, eating disorders or used alcohol heavily.
A prescription from a doctor is required to buy bupropion.
Additional information
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should first try to stop smoking without using any medication.
Bupropion and the different types of nicotine replacement products are all nearly equally helpful. So choose the medicine you can afford, which has the least side effects and which suits you best. For instance, people with dentures may not want to use the gum, while others may like chewing and so prefer the gum.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are interested in using a medicine to help you quit smoking.