Need an intervention? Try a medical aid
Medical intervention
While not everyone needs one, a medical aid in your quitting arsenal doubles your chance of success. See your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the best option for you and to learn to use it correctly.
Over-the-counter NRT (nicotine replacement therapy)
Gum, lozenge or inhaler
Provides nicotine through the lining of the mouth to help you get through cravings. You'll get less nicotine than you used to, and without the nasty chemicals from cigarettes. Each has advantages. Gum and lozenges are discrete, while an inhaler gives you something to puff on.
The NRT patch
Provides a steady supply of nicotine to your body to smooth out peaks and valleys of cravings. Vivid dreams can be a side-effect for some people -- removing it when sleeping may solve the problem.
Prescription aids
Zyban
Why it works is unknown, but quitters say the drug makes cigarettes taste unappealing. Zyban is least likely to cause weight gain compared to other medical options. Treatment starts one to two weeks before quitting.
Champix
Blocks nicotine receptors on brain cells, which reduces withdrawal symptoms, but also helps you keep on track if you slip. Works well even for heavy smokers. Treatment starts one week before quitting. Some experience mild nausea; taking it with food helps.
Say goodbye to cigarettes and your body will benefit
No matter how you do it, ditching cigarettes might be the best thing you've ever done for your health. Here's a breakdown of how your body will react after you quit.
Immediately after quitting:
-Carbon monoxide gone from your system in 24 hours
-Better sense of taste and smell
-More energy; better fitness and sleep
-Fewer colds
-Breathing improves; so do respiratory problems such as asthma
Down the road:
-Risk of heart attack cut in half in one year; in 15 years, risk is the same as someone who never smoked
-Risk of lung cancer cut in half in 10 years
-After 20 years, risk of AMD is the same as someone who never smoked
Quitting when you have...
-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Better quality of life and a greater chance of outliving your lungs
-Cancer: Treatment more likely to be effective
Click for tips on how to avoid a smoking relapse...
Page 2 of 3
While not everyone needs one, a medical aid in your quitting arsenal doubles your chance of success. See your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the best option for you and to learn to use it correctly.
Over-the-counter NRT (nicotine replacement therapy)
Gum, lozenge or inhaler
Provides nicotine through the lining of the mouth to help you get through cravings. You'll get less nicotine than you used to, and without the nasty chemicals from cigarettes. Each has advantages. Gum and lozenges are discrete, while an inhaler gives you something to puff on.
The NRT patch
Provides a steady supply of nicotine to your body to smooth out peaks and valleys of cravings. Vivid dreams can be a side-effect for some people -- removing it when sleeping may solve the problem.
Prescription aids
Zyban
Why it works is unknown, but quitters say the drug makes cigarettes taste unappealing. Zyban is least likely to cause weight gain compared to other medical options. Treatment starts one to two weeks before quitting.
Champix
Blocks nicotine receptors on brain cells, which reduces withdrawal symptoms, but also helps you keep on track if you slip. Works well even for heavy smokers. Treatment starts one week before quitting. Some experience mild nausea; taking it with food helps.
Say goodbye to cigarettes and your body will benefit
No matter how you do it, ditching cigarettes might be the best thing you've ever done for your health. Here's a breakdown of how your body will react after you quit.
Immediately after quitting:
-Carbon monoxide gone from your system in 24 hours
-Better sense of taste and smell
-More energy; better fitness and sleep
-Fewer colds
-Breathing improves; so do respiratory problems such as asthma
Down the road:
-Risk of heart attack cut in half in one year; in 15 years, risk is the same as someone who never smoked
-Risk of lung cancer cut in half in 10 years
-After 20 years, risk of AMD is the same as someone who never smoked
Quitting when you have...
-Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Better quality of life and a greater chance of outliving your lungs
-Cancer: Treatment more likely to be effective
Click for tips on how to avoid a smoking relapse...
Page 2 of 3
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