Medication to assist Smokers in Smoking Cessation

Many smokers, for many years, have become successful long term non-smokers without the assistance of any medication.

There seems to have been a fairly common belief amongst smokers with whom I have worked, that they must have Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) or have Zyban™ [bupropion hydrochloride SR] in order to become non-smokers. Unfortunately many smokers seem to have the belief that merely by taking NRT or Zyban™, they will automatically become non-smokers. A common complaint heard from smokers is, “I had patches [or gum, or inhaler etc.], and it did not work. I am still smoking.”

The most important requirement for a smoker to stop and to stay stopped, is the determination and will power to do so. The tips and strategies suggested on this web site may assist you in achieving your aims. Also, I have included resources on a page of this site which may help.

Medication may be of assistance however for some smokers. Heavy smokers who are addicted to nicotine may benefit from a NRT program. Also, the psychological aid of “just knowing the patch is there” seems to help some. Many smokers I have worked with who have used NRT, have taken a far stronger dose than the level of nicotine they were getting from the cigaretttes they were smoking. So please. if you are going to use NRT, discuss it with your GP or pharmacist or both before doing so. Zyban™ has been effectively used by many to assist them in achieving ‘non-smoker’ status. But, as with ALL medications, it does have side effects. These side effects can be more severe in some than others. So, if you choose to use Zyban™, please be aware of any adverse reactions, and liaise closely with your General Practitioner.

On the next page of this site I discuss tips to help you stop smoking and to stay stopped.

Web Design Ian McKenzie

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