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According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 46 million Americans are smokers. It has been reported that 70% of smokers want to quit. Most smokers attempt to quit about 6 to 9 times in their lifetime. To help smokers in their quest to kick the habit, there are several aids:
Nicorette® Gum - Over-the-counter
Nicoderm® CQ Patch - Over-the-counter
Commit® Lozenge - Over-the-counter
Zyban® (bupropion) - Prescription
NEW Chantix™ (varenicline) - Prescription
What is Chantix™ (varenicline)?
Chantix™ is the newest smoking cessation medication on the market with a different approach to helping smokers quit. The medication was developed by Pfizer and is available through prescription only.
How does it work?
The medication is different from other ways to quit because it does not contain nicotine. When nicotine enters the body it attaches to receptors in the brain. The receptors then tell other cells in the brain to release dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that gives a sense of pleasure. This will only last for a short time, and then the brain will need more dopamine to sustain that feeling. Chantix™ is believed to attach to these same receptors causing
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some activation of them but it also prevents nicotine from attaching. This action of the medication helps in reducing the craving for nicotine and also blocks the satisfaction effect from nicotine if a person smokes. The aim is to break the cycle of addiction to nicotine.
Most common side-effects:
Nausea/vomiting (take medication after a meal to help prevent this
Changes in dreaming
Constipation
Gas
The GETQUIT™ Program with Chantix™
Research has shown that smokers are more successful at quitting when they are part of a program. Smoking is not only a physical addiction, but it is also has a psychological component. The GETQUIT™ program is designed to help combat the psychological part. The goals of the program are to:
Identify your smoking triggers
Learn to cope with withdrawal symptoms
Find alternative activities to smoking
The GETQUIT™ program starts with your first day of treatment and lasts through a year from when you started. The program provides a website for support and a way to track your progress, as well as regular check-in emails or phone calls to help with mo
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