Reference no: EM133874570
There are several therapies that can help aid in smoking cessation. Some are percribed to you and others can be obtained over the counter (OTC). ?Some common prescriptions are:
Varenicline (also called Chantix) ?is a prescription medicine that is FDA-approved to help people stop smoking. It is known for its 2 ?effects, reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms and lessens the pleasure a person gets from smoking. Additionally, Varenicline has also shown to be helpful for people trying to quit smokeless tobacco. This product does not contain any nicotine1.
Bupropion (also called Zyban) ?is another FDA-approved medicine for quitting tobacco. It's a prescription antidepressant in an extended-release form that helps reduce cravings and symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. This product also does not contain any nicotine1.
Nicotine spray and inhalers are also prescription smoking cessation products.
Common OTC nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) ?include:
Skin patches (also called "transdermal nicotine patches"). ?These patches are placed on the skin, similar to how you would apply an adhesive bandage. Theses patches, as stated in the name, do contain nicotine2.
Chewing gum (also called "nicotine gum"). ?This gum must be chewed according to the labeled instructions to be effective2.
Lozenges (also called "nicotine lozenges"). ?You use these products by dissolving them in your mouth2.
The largest difference I see between prescription vs OTC is that OTC smoking cessation products contain nicotine themselves whereas prescriptions are less likely to.
As with all products, there are pros and cons to both the prescribed medications and the OTC/NRT products. The pros to the prescription medications are that they can be taken orally in tablet form, making it an easy once a day medication. However, there are many side effects that come with the prescription medications that may outweigh the benefits for some patients. Taking these products, risks include changes in behavior, depressed mood, hostility, aggression, and suicidal thoughts or actions. Alternatively, many OTC products require the patient to chew or let them dissolve. In patch form, one may become irritated with the patch itself. (fda.gov) ?Also, using them too much or using them and continuing to smoke can lead to a buildup of toxic levels of nicotine in your body, resulting in nicotine poisoning.
Studies have shown that all methods have proven safe and effective3. ?Interestingly, the most effective way seen is combine a prescription with an NRT product. A healthcare provider can use studies and their educated opinion to determine which type of product to recommend to a particular patient. If a patient does not see success using OTC products, a physician may prescribe medication in addition to using the OTC products so that the patient may see better or faster results.
A patient's lifestyle and preferences can heavily influence their choice of product. Some patients cannot chew gum at their job or consistently enough to make a difference, so a patch may be a better way for that patient to continue to try to quit. Other patients may want to quit as easily as possible and the prescription medication may be the way to do that. It all depends on the person, their lifestyle and goals.
Review a peer's post and identify any potential gaps or areas that could benefit from further exploration. Be specific and constructive with your feedback, starting with positive comments and offering helpful suggestions. Use respectful and encouraging language to ensure your tone is kind and supportive.
Share additional research or resources that address these gaps and explain how this new information might influence the choice of smoking cessation products or strategies.
Highlight any recent studies or emerging therapies that your peer may not have included. Provide proper citations as needed.