Study: Nicotine Patch Works as Well as Chantix to Help Quit Smoking

This study confirms that FDA-approved medications are effective in helping smokers quit,” said Lee Westmaas, PhD, American Cancer Society director of tobacco control research. “Smokers should seriously consider using medications if they are finding it difficult to quit without any help. The most effective approach to quitting is using medications in combination with counseling such as from a quit-line.”RESOURCES: How to Quit Smoking Quit-smoking medicationsResearch shows that using a medication to help you quit smoking can double your chances of being successful.The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 7 medications to safely and effectively help people quit smoking. Choosing which one to use is often a matter of personal choice and should be discussed with your pharmacist or health care provider.Three of these medications are available over-the-counter at most pharmacies and can be helpful in easing the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal when used as directed.Nicotine patchesNicotine lozengesNicotine gumFour other medications are available by prescription.Chantix (varenicline) – a drug that blocks the effects of nicotine in the brainZyban (bupropion) – an antidepressantNicotine inhalersNicotine nasal spraysKeep tryingQuitting smoking is hard, mostly because nicotine, a drug found naturally in tobacco, is so addictive. It’s as addictive as heroin or cocaine. Most smokers have to try more than once before quitting suc...
Source: American Cancer Society :: News and Features - Category: Cancer & Oncology Tags: Smoking/Tobacco Source Type: news