Quit Smoking

Thinking of Quitting?

Many people who smoke have thought about quitting in the past. There are 5 stages of “readiness to quit” and it is helpful to consider what stage you are in at this point in time.

• Pre-contemplation (not ready to quit)
• Contemplation (considering a quit attempt)
• Preparation (actively planning a quit attempt)
• Action (actively involved in a quit attempt)
• Maintenance (achieved smoking cessation)

From “Contemplation” to beyond, doctors can help provide medical treatments to help you achieve your quitting goal. Quitting begins with setting an “end date” and it is possible to successfully quit smoking with the guidance of your doctor.

Barriers to Quitting and Symptoms

Smoking cessation is not always easy, and there are several common barriers that patients experience.

• Nicotine Withdrawal: Nicotine is addictive, and the withdrawal is one of the biggest barriers for patients to quit. Withdrawal symptoms include:
  • Increased appetite, weight gain
  • Changes in mood
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Restlessness

Symptoms peak in the first three days of quitting, and can last up to three to four weeks. Smoking cessation medications can help with these symptoms.

• Environmental Triggers: one obstacle to quitting smoking can be the environmental triggers associated with smoking, such as morning coffee, alcoholic drinks, or the end of a meal, or a break from work to take a walk.

Medical Treatments

Many smokers desire to quit, and using the available treatments gives them a better chance of being successful. The combination of behavior modifications, behavior counseling, and medications significantly improves the chance of success.

The first-line medications for smoking cessation include combination nicotine replacement therapy such as nicotine patch, gum, or lozenges with the addition of the medications Varenicline or Bupropion. It is important to go through a detailed medical history with your doctor before being prescribed one of these medications.  More information is available through Medzino.

Varenicline and  Bupropion are FDA-approved for smoking cessation, as they have shown to be effective in quitting smoking.

Medications are used in conjunction with nicotine replacement. Better results are seen with the combination of two nicotine replacement products, such as patch with gum or lozenge. The patch is long-acting, and gum or lozenge are short acting.

What medications are used for smoking cessation?

The FDA-approved medications are Varenicline and Bupropion, in conjunction with nicotine replacement products.

What is Nicotine replacement?

Cigarettes contain nicotine, and the body can get addicted to nicotine. Nicotine replacement are products such as gum, lozenges, and patches that provide a controlled amount of Nicotine to help curb the cravings while you are quitting.

What is bupropion?

Bupropion is a medication of the antidepressant class, which is also FDA approved for smoking cessation. It helps reduce the urge to smoke and withdrawal symptoms. It is a prescription-only medication. Treatment usually lasts 7-12 weeks, but may be longer. Bupropion is contraindicated in patients with a seizure disorder, or a history of seizures.

What is Varenicline?

Varenicline is FDA approved for smoking cessation. It works by preventing nicotine stimulating the dopamine system in the brain which is associated with reward and nicotine addiction. It also helps with withdrawal and cravings.

What are the dangers of smoking?

Smoking is one of the leading causes of death, and is one of the biggest risk factors for lung cancer. Smoking raises the risk of heart disease. Cigarette smoke contains cancer-causing chemicals, called carcinogens. These chemicals travel from the lungs into the bloodstream, reaching all the organs in the body. Even secondhand smoke can be harmful, especially to children, infants, and those with asthma or respiratory disease.

What are some reasons to quit smoking?

• Decreased risk of heart disease and certain cancers
• Improved physical appearance, no tobacco stains to hands and teeth
• Less money spent on tobacco
• Keeping yourself and your family healthy
• Avoid exposing others to secondhand smoke

How should I stop smoking?

Some people quit smoking without planning for it; others have to plan and try several times before success. There are some basic steps to start with:

• Commit to quitting. Set a decision, and set a quit date
• Find a support group. This can be online, on the phone, or in person
• Tell your family and friends. Get their support.
• If your family members smoke, try to get them to quit as well. Having support to reach the goal together will help
• Know your triggers- including environmental ones such as morning coffee, afternoon news, mid-day walk. Plan for ways to deal with these triggers
• Talk with your doctor about what ways medication and nicotine replacement can help in your process.

What are withdrawal symptoms of smoking cessation?

Nicotine is addictive, and the withdrawal is one of the biggest barriers for patients to quit. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Increased appetite, weight gain
• Changes in mood
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness

Symptoms peak in the first three days of quitting, and can last up to three to four weeks.