What are the side effects of medications for nicotine? The medications used in therapy of nicotine replacement are quite safe. This is evidenced by the fact that the patch and nicotine gum are sold without prescription in the U.S., Europe and Brazil. Below we show the most common side effects:
Are there any contraindications to the use of medications for nicotine? The nicotine medications are quite safe, but there are two situations in which there must be more careful with their use:
- Pregnant
- Patients with recent myocardial infarction
However, it is very important to emphasize that cigarette use in these two situations is far more damaging than therapy with nicotine.
The patient can be addictive nicotine in medications? Yes, there are reports that up to 10% of patients using the chewing gum nicotine can be difficult to drop it. It is difficult to know whether the patient has a new addiction or are keeping their nicotine dependence. In any case, the concentration of nicotine in the blood achieved with the gum is well below that achieved with the cigarette. In addition, the 4500 cigarette has other substances harmful to health.
What is varenicline? Varenicline (brand name: Champix) is a medication developed specifically for the treatment of smoking. It acts on receptors in the brain, blocking the action of nicotine on site and reducing the possibility of withdrawal.
Clinical studies have shown high rates of smoking cessation with the use of varenicline. In a study with 647 patients, 49% of smokers who used the medication quit smoking after 12 weeks of treatment, whereas this rate was only 12% for patients who used placebo (tablet flour without pharmacological effect). Another study with 1,210 patients showed cessation rate of smoking of 70% among those using varenicline against 49% among those taking placebo. When compared with the use of bupropion, both scientific work in order to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments showed that varenicline was superior.
How varenicline is used? Varenicline is presented in the form of pills, being sold only on prescription. The medication must be started one week before the scheduled date to quit smoking. The duration of treatment is usually 12 weeks, and the doctor may extend this period for another 12 weeks, according to its assessment. Varenicline tablets should be swallowed whole with water. Food does not interfere with its absorption.
What are the most frequent side effects with the use of varenicline? Varenicline is a very safe medication, and well tolerated by most patients. The most common side effects are nausea and abnormal dreams, such events are mild, occur early in treatment and tend to disappear with time.
There are contraindications to the use of varenicline? Varenicline is a very safe medication, virtually no contraindication to its use. As there are no studies in pregnant women, it is prudent that the medication is not prescribed for these women. Its use in children under 18 years also is not approved. Patients with moderate renal impairment / severe should have the dose of medication adjusted by your doctor.
What is bupropion? Bupropion (Zyban ®) is a drug initially developed to act as an antidepressant, but during its use was found that it reduced the craving of the patients. Since then, she came to be used in treatment of smoking.
As bupropion is used? Bupropion is a medication used orally and sold only by prescription. The medication is usually started 1 week before the scheduled date to stop smoking and continue for a period variable, which can reach up to 4 months. The physician should set the duration of treatment.
What are the most frequent side effects of bupropion? The most frequent side effects of bupropion are insomnia, dry mouth and headache. More rarely allergic reactions may occur.
Are there any contraindications to treatment with bupropion? Yes, bupropion should not be used in:
- Under 18 years;
- Patients with a history of epilepsy or seizures;
- Patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia;
- Patients who are using certain antidepressants.
When to use the therapy to nicotine replacement, bupropion or varenicline? The choice of drug therapies available therapy (nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion and varenicline) should be individualized, ie, the doctor will decide in accordance with the characteristics of the patients. In individuals with a high degree of dependence, one can even opt for the combination therapy of nicotine replacement with one of the other treatments. Also in these patients, one can use the combination of chewing gum with nicotine patches.
In addition to medications, which the other pillar of the treatment of smoking? Medications increase the chances of the patient quit smoking, but they should not be used alone. We need a psychological support for the individual. This support should be provided by their families and relevant professionals (medical doctor, psychiatrist, nurse, psychologist). In some cases it may be useful if the patient participates in group therapy.
Why do some patients gain weight when they stop smoking? It is common to gain weight, stop smoking, ranging from 2 to 4 pounds. This is because of the effects of tobacco on the nervous system of the individual is reduced appetite. Moreover, by quitting smoking, it is common for the patient go through a period of anxiety that can lead you to overeat. There are some studies showing that both the use of bupropion, as the use of chewing gum can reduce weight gain after smoking cessation. We must emphasize that despite the weight gain, quitting smoking is the best option. The practice of regular exercise helps reduce weight gain.
What should be done when the patient used any medication and could not stop smoking?
It is common for patients trying to quit smoking and can not, even when you use any medication (nicotine therapy, bupropion or varenicline). This situation should not be seen as a failure or a weakness of character of the individual. In fact, many patients can only kick the habit after many attempts. In this situation, the patient should discuss with your doctor and figure out what were the obstacles that interfere negatively in the treatment and try to overcome them. In addition, you can try another measurement not used before.
Alternative treatments for smoking are effective? There is no scientific evidence to recommend the use of alternative therapies such as hypnosis and acupuncture in treatment of smoking.
