Smoking Cessation
  Contributed by: Sarah Jones, Pharm.D. Candidate
                        UMKC School of Pharmacy

If you are currently a smoker, there are many health benefits to quitting.  Not only will you add years to your life, but in some instances the damage that has already occurred can be reversed.  One of the first steps to quitting is knowing that you are ready to quit.  This is a personal decision that cannot be made be anyone other than you.  Your attempt will not be successful if you are quitting because someone else wants you to.  Once you have decided that you are ready to quit smoking, you should set an official stop date.
Once you have decided to quit smoking and have set a stop date, you should decide which method is best for you to quit smoking.  There are currently many options available to aid in your success.  Many people who are attempting to quit smoking for the first time should opt for over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies.

The following overview of the different products available can help you decide which treatment options would be best for you:

• Nicotine patch
  
• Worn all day long and changed every 24 hours
  
• Side effects include: skin

irritation, dizziness, racing heart, and sleep problems

• Available over-the-counter
  
• Nicotine gum
  
• Utilizes the "chew and park" method where gum is chewed a few times and then left in between the gum and cheek to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth
  
• Food or drink should be avoided for 15 minutes before using or while using the gum
  
• Available over-the-counter
  
• Nicotine lozenge
  
• Similar to the gum in that the nicotine is released through the lining of the mouth
  
• Side effects include: soreness of the teeth and gums, indigestions, and throat irritation
  
• Available over-the-counter
  
• Zyban® (bupropion)
  
• Prescription- only tablet
  
• Treatment begins one week prior to quit date and continued for 7-12

weeks

• Side effects include: insomnia, dry mouth, and dizziness
  
• Chantix® (varenicline)
  
• Prescription -only tablet
  
• Decreases the pleasure smoking brings and reduces withdrawal symptoms
  
• Side effects include: nausea, headache, abnormal dreams, and insomnia