Here is a list of FDA approved drugs which may help in smoking cessation. However, all these drugs should be taken only after consultation with your physician.

Bupropion SR (Wellbutrin SR, Zyban)

• Adv - Non-nicotine tablet; easy to use
• Disadv - May cause insomnia, dry mouth, headache, tremors, nausea, or anxiety

Nicotine gum

• Adv - Over-the-counter availability; flexible dosing; delivers nicotine faster than the patch
• Disadv - No food or drink 15 minutes before use; frequent dosing. May cause jaw pain, mouth soreness, dyspepsia, or hiccups

Nicotine inhaler

• Adv - Flexible dosing; mimics hand-to-mouth action of smoking; few side effects
• Disadv - Frequent dosing necessary. May cause mouth and throat irritation

Nicotine lozenge

• Adv - Over-the-counter availability; flexible dosing; delivers nicotine faster than the patch
• Disadv - Frequent dosing necessary; no food or drink 15 minutes before use. May cause mouth soreness or dyspepsia

Nicotine patch (transdermal)

• Adv - Over-the-counter availability; daily application; overnight use may reduce early morning cravings; few side effects
• Disadv - Less flexible dosing; slow delivery of nicotine. May cause skin irritation or sleep problems if worn at night

Nicotine nasal spray

• Adv - Flexible dosing; fastest delivery of nicotine; reduces cravings within a few minutes
• Disadv - Frequent dosing necessary. May cause nose and eye irritation or cough. Most addictive among other medications

Chantix (Varenicline tartarate)

• Adv - Studies show that it is more effective than Bupropion
• Disadv - May cause nausea and abnormal dreams. Limited experience with this recently approved drug

Reference - American Family Physician

Patient page - Tips to Help You Quit Smoking

Technorati Tags: Bupropion, Chantix, Drugs, Nicotine, Varenicline, Smoking

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