Is The Quit Smoking Pill Right For You?

February 15, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Methods To Quit Smoking

quit smoking pillChoosing the right smoking cessation strategy may spell certain health risks. The benefits of most of these methods far outweigh their reported side effects, though. Take for instance a `quit smoking’ pill, touted as a powerful option to help smokers withstand and survive urges to smoke. While no magic potion or `quit smoking’ pill that can provide a fast-and-easy cure actually exists (since monster efforts are required of those who are really intent to stop smoking and counteract its negative effects on the body), there are breakthrough products today, which require doctor’s supervision that help ease smoking withdrawal symptoms and curb the smoking appetite.

The typical `quit smoking’ pill works by increasing/triggering the release of the important neurotransmitters in the brain - dopamine and norepinephrine, which are responsible for providing people a certain “high” or sense of well being. Drugs designed to let people feel the same thing, while gradually making them accustomed to managing without nicotine, can be a major step forward or tremendous help for people who want to kick the smoking habit for good.

What happens is that the drug blocks the nicotine receptors found in the brain, thereby reducing cravings to smoke. Because some drugs work in other areas of the body (like an antidepressant) and users must be on guard against possible harmful drug interactions, consultation with a doctor is imperative. For best results, most health experts generally advise patients treading the path to a healthier, non-smoking lifestyle to take prescribed drugs in conjunction with behavioral or lifestyle changes like dietary changes and regular exercise.