NRT (Patches, Gum, Inhalers)
Those that choose to give up smoking by gradually reducing their nicotine intake by using a patch or gum program have a much lower success rate. Because nicotine only takes up to 72 hours to clear from the system and because even a little bit of nicotine strengthens subsequent urges substantially, this type of program should only be used by those who are unable to quit abruptly because they are used to an extremely high nicotine level.
A savvy consumer has to question the claims made by the nicotine gum and patch producers. They are many times the same companies that are selling the cigarettes. Do they really want you to quit smoking? It would hurt their bottom line to lose loyal customers, so why would they make products that are highly successful at helping people quit smoking? I am not saying that these products do not work, I am saying that I doubt they work as well as they should. It would be bad business to help your customer base end its dependency on your product.
Nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patches, etc.) has been proven by independent scientific studies to produce a success rate of 10% to 15%. Not only is it quite rare for someone to stop smoking using this method, but there are many negative side effects, such as: nausea and indigestion, itching and redness of the skin, and nightmares—and occasionally the side effects can be more serious. So there is very little chance of it working, and a very big chance of physical harm.
Prescription drugs
The prescription drugs bupropion (brand names Zyban SR, Clorpax, Prexaton and Bupropion-RL) and varenicline (brand name Champix) must be prescribed by your doctor as they are not suitable for everyone and can often have nasty side effects such nausea, vomiting, headaches, hallucinations.
National Health Service reports have shown that zyban can be completely ineffective unless combined with other psychological or group type treatment-for example, hypnosis or group support. People have actually died as a side effect from this drug. The Makers of this drug state that 1 in 1000 will suffer convulsions that could lead to death. It doesn’t work, and it is a very dangerous drug.
CNNHealth.com stated on July 1, 2009 — “Two popular anti-smoking drugs will now carry warnings about the risk of severe mental health problems, the Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday.
The FDA said Champix and Zyban will carry the warnings to alert consumers to the risks of depression and suicidal thoughts when using the drugs.
“The drugs also have been reported to cause changes in behaviour, hostility and agitation in users, whether users had a history of psychiatric illness or not. In many cases, side effects started shortly after use began and ended when the medication was stopped. The FDA does not know what is causing the changes and said people taking these products should be monitored by their doctor”
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