Table of contents:
- Choice of drugs to quit smoking
- 1. Varenicline (Chantix®)
- Side effects
- 2. Bupropion
- Bupropion side effects
- 3. Nortriptyline
- Nortriptyline side effects
- 4. Clonidine
- Side effects
Apart from the determination and strong will from within yourself, sometimes you need the help of a doctor to be free from smoking. Well, along with therapy the doctor will usually recommend one or a combination of certain drugs to help you quit smoking. However, is there a drug to stop smoking that can be easily purchased at a pharmacy?
Choice of drugs to quit smoking
In general, there are several types of drugs you can buy at the pharmacy to help you quit smoking. Even so, these drugs cannot be bought and consumed carelessly because they require a prescription and recommendation from a doctor.
1. Varenicline (Chantix®)
Varenicline (Chantix®) is a prescription drug that can interfere with nicotine receptors in the brain. This drug works with two effects, namely:
- Reduces the perceived enjoyment of smoking.
- Reducing the "withdrawal" effect that occurs when nicotine consumption is reduced.
Varenicline will generally be given for approximately 12 weeks. However, this time period can be extended as needed.
Usually the doctor will ask you to take this drug for about a month to a week before deciding to stop. The medicine is usually taken after meals with a glass of water.
For the first eight days, you will be given a fairly high dose. If it turns out that the body does not respond well to the drug, the doctor will reduce the dose to the limit that is acceptable to the body.
Don't forget to tell your doctor about your health condition, history of allergies, and any medications you are taking when planning to take this medicine. Including if you are pregnant.
Side effects
Like drugs in general, varienicline causes various side effects, such as:
- Nausea
- Gag
- Headache
- Hard to sleep
- Constipation
- Bloated
- Change in taste of food
- Skin rash
- Seizures
- Heart and blood vessel problems
- Changes in mood or behavior such as depression, hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, and panic attacks
2. Bupropion
Bupropion is an antidepressant that can help reduce cravings and symptoms when nicotine is reduced. This drug works by affecting chemicals in the brain associated with nicotine addiction. In pharmacies, these smoking cessation drugs are sold under the brand names Zyban®, Wellbutrin®, or Aplenzin®.
Bupropion is recommended to be consumed 1 to 2 weeks before quitting smoking. The dose given is generally 150 mg one to two tablets per day.
The medicine is usually recommended to be taken for 7 to 12 weeks. However, it does not rule out that this one drug is asked to continue to be consumed for some time after quitting smoking. The goal is to prevent you from returning to smoking afterwards.
Unfortunately, this drug should not be used if you have or have experienced:
- Seizures
- Can not be separated from drinking alcohol in high doses
- Cirrhosis
- Serious head injury
- Bipolar disease
- Anorexia or bulimia
- Are taking a sedative or antidepressant type monoamine oxidase (MAOI)
Therefore, always consult a doctor before taking bupropion to stop smoking.
Bupropion side effects
Bupropion includes drugs that can cause various side effects, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Nasal congestion
- Difficulty sleeping and frequent nightmares
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Kepela pain
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
- Feeling depressed, anxious, restless or overly excited
Bupropion is a smoking cessation drug that can cause interactions with other drugs or supplements. Therefore, always tell your doctor about prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs, supplements, and other drugs that are being consumed.
Do not just buy this one drug in a pharmacy with the aim of quitting smoking without consulting a doctor.
3. Nortriptyline
These drugs are classified as antidepressants that can help reduce symptoms of tobacco reduction.
Reporting from the page of the American Cancer Society, nortiptyline has been shown to increase a person's chances of success in quitting smoking. This evidence was obtained when compared with those who did not take nortriptyline.
Medicines are usually taken 10 to 28 days before a person stops smoking. This is so that the drug levels in the body are stable.
Nortriptyline side effects
Nortriptyline also has various side effects that may arise, such as:
- Rapid heart rate
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty urinating
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Weight gain or loss
- Low blood pressure so you often feel dizzy when you stand up
In addition, this drug can also affect a person's ability to drive. Therefore, it is better to rest after taking nortriptyline as a medicine to quit smoking.
Before buying smoking cessation drugs at this one pharmacy based on a doctor's prescription, make sure that the doctor knows the history of the drug that is being consumed.
In addition, also clearly ask about the dosage of nortriptyline that should be used. The reason is, the dose of this drug must be lowered slowly and cannot just stop suddenly.
4. Clonidine
Clonidine is actually a drug used to lower high blood pressure. However, this drug is also available in pharmacies as an alternative to quitting smoking. Even so, this drug still requires a doctor's prescription.
Usually the drug is taken twice a day or used as a patch (patch) which is replaced once a week. Clonidine can be started about 3 days before quitting smoking. However, this medication can also be taken on the day you stop.
However, like nortriptyline, clonidine cannot just be stopped without first decreasing the dose. The goal of lowering the dose is to prevent a rapid increase in blood pressure, confusion, tremors, or feelings of restlessness.
Side effects
When consumed, clonidine has various side effects such as:
- Constipation
- Dizzy
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
To avoid unwanted effects, your doctor will monitor your blood pressure while using this medication to quit smoking.
To quit smoking, prescription or over-the-counter drugs are not effective enough. It's good to combine various ways so that the effect on you can be felt.