There are several drugs on the market today that can effectively help anyone quit smoking. While some of these were specifically designed to help people quite, others originated as anti-depressant medications. Most of these come in pill form; however that’s not always the case.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular options.

Nicorette

This was the first company to start selling medication designed to help people stop smoking. Instead of using traditional pills, they offer medicated gum, patches, nasal sprays and Inhalers. All of which help a person quite by providing the body with a small amount of nicotine that will fulfill it’s cravings while at the same time keeping it away from the cancer causing chemicals that are found in cigarette smoke.

Zyban

This was originally released as a way to fight depression. It works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which gives the person the same type of feeling that can be found in nicotine. They’re designed to fight the symptoms of withdrawal that smokers go through. It’s best to take start taking Zyban 7-10 days before you quit.

Varenicline

Also under the name Chantix, it has recently been approved by the FDA as a way to quit smoking. Studies have shown that 1 out of every 5 smokers successfully quit within the first year. By taking this pill, smokers will feel the same type of pleasure as they do when they smoke. The idea is that people will no longer associate these pleasant feelings with smoking. It’s recommended that it should be taken 2 times a day, for 12 weeks.

Prozac

Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride) was originally developed as an antidepressant medication, however recently it has been used to help people quite smoking. It works by giving a person pleasant feelings of happiness. This keeps all the negative withdraw symptoms away, so it doesn’t interfere with a person’s day to day life.

Bupropion

This is the active ingredient in both Zyban and Wellbutrin and can only be available with a perception.

Paxil (Paroxetine)

This is also an anti-depressant medication and works much the same way as the above options.

Side Effects/Conclusion

As with any medication it’s important to consult your doctor before hand. Each one will have slightly different side effects, so it’s important to do your research to be sure which one is right for you.

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