Stop Smoking Tips

Stop Smoking Medication & An Alternative For Those Who Have Failed Meds

Lots of people smoke but lots of people want to quit smoking. The reasons to stop smoking are obvious: it decreases cancer risk; it reduces frequency of respiratory illness; and it saves money. The problem is that the nicotine in tobacco is addictive. Therefore stopping cigarettes can be difficult. So here are some medicinal ways to stop smoking. If you have tried these or would like a more natural remedy, I have included a natural alternative. In any case, follow your physician's direction and follow up as needed.

Nicotine replacement:

• 1. Transdermal patch: one patch per 24 hours and taper down per physician recommendation.
• 2. Gum (2mg and 4mg): 1 piece of gum when urge to smoke. Up to 24 pieces of gum per day. Taper down over 12 week course.
• 3. Nasal Spray: 1-2 sprays per hour. No more than 10 sprays per hour and no more than 80 sprays per day.
• 4. Inhaler: Up to 15 cartridges per day for 3 months then taper down the next 2 months.
• 5. Lozenge: follow 12 week schedule of tapering dose.

Do not use after a heart attack or during pregnancy. Stop cigarette use once starting nicotine replacement to avoid nicotine overdose. One cigarette contains 10-25mg of nicotine.

Common side effects: headache. With the nose spray or inhaler: throat or mouth irritation, cough and runny nose.

Nicotine overdose symptoms:

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Confusion
• Racing heart.

If overdose, remove nicotine source. For patches, rinse with water and dry. Do not use soap - it may increase absorption. Seek medical attention.

Bupropion (Zyban®): is similar to anti depressant medications that inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.

Dose: 150 mg for 3 days then increase to 150 mg twice a day. Continue for 7-12 weeks.

Most common side effects:

• Racing heart
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Sore throat

Varenicline (Chantix)

Dose:

• Days 1-3: 0.5 mg daily
• Days 4-7: 0.5mg twice a day
• Week 2-12: 1mg a day

Start varenicline one week prior to quit date.

Most common side effects:

• Abnormal dreams
• Headache
• Insomnia
• nausea

Black pepper essential oil*

Application: diffuse the oil into a vapor and breathe in. Use as often as needed.

Benefits:

• 1. Decreases craving
• 2. Decreases bad mood and anxiety associated with smoking cessation
• 3. Increases sensations in the chest which may decrease withdrawal symptoms

Reference:

• * Inhalation of vapor from black pepper extract reduces smoking withdrawal symptoms. Rose JE, Behm FM., Drug Alcohol Depend. 1994 Feb; 34(3):225-9.

Thomas Plamondon PA-C

Northview Medical Group teaches about and distributes high grade therapeutic essential oils.

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Article information is for educational use only and is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition, syndrome or disease. Essential oils are not FDA approved and are not intended to treat, cure, or stop any medical condition, illness, disease or syndrome.

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