Stop Smoking With Chantix
People who smoke are faced each day with the recognition that their smelly habit
isn't pleasant for the people around them, that it is dangerous for their long-term health and that the rest of the world would prefer that they quit. What once was helped to relieve anxiety and stress now becomes the root of anxiety and stress in their lives. This continues until one day there is a recognition that something must change and the smoker decides to quit.
It is at this stage that they must decide HOW they are going to quit. There are several methods and support programs available today that can help a person to stop smoking. One that has shown significant promise is the medication Chantix (varenicline) which is an oral medication that theoretically works by blocking the effect of nicotine on the brain. The manufacturer states that it may make it easier for some smokers to stop smoking, although people continue to require persistence and commitment to the goal.
When nicotine enters the body it reaches the brain within 8 seconds. Once there it binds with neuroreceptors and stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain which is the neurotransmitter that gives the smoker positive feelings. When you quit the stimulation for dopamine is no longer available and the individual suffers through withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, depression, cravings, insomnia and difficulty concentrating.
Many of the nicotine replacement drugs on the market today will help to maintain those low levels of dopamine and gradually wean the person off of them while decreasing the symptoms of withdrawal. Reportedly, Chantix works in much the same way. It stimulates the release of dopamine and other chemicals that will reduce the signs and symptoms of withdrawal. It also blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain so that if you do slip up and smoke a cigarette you don't get the same nicotine "high" that you got in the past. The theory is that smoking the cigarette becomes much less pleasurable and the desire to return to smoking is reduced or eliminated.
Researchers found that the drug should be started about a week before you decide to quit to allow the drug full penetration in the body. You'll get a 12 week prescription that may be extended another 12 weeks if you remain smoke free the first 12 weeks. This may improve the chances that you'll be able to quit altogether. During the first 12 weeks the doctor will gradually increase the dose from 1 x a day to 2 x a day to reduce any side effects you might experience.
At this time the number of studies which indicate the efficacy of the drug have been small the results have shown that the results are better than a placebo to help smokers to quit. People who took the drug reported less side effects or withdrawal symptoms than those who didn't take the medication.
Studies to this point have compared the efficacy of Chantix to other oral medications used in smoking cessation programs, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), and not against other nicotine replacement therapy treatments, such as nicotine gum or patches. And, it is important to remember that the individuals who participated in the Chantix studies also received counseling and support which has been shown to improve the success rate of quitting smoking, even when used with individuals who are going "cold turkey" - without any medication or nicotine replacement therapy support.
People who take Chantix report that they experience nausea, headache, vomiting, gas, insomnia, vivid or abnormal dreams or that the medication will change the way in which food tastes. After the release of the drug there were several reports of individuals who suffered from psychiatric disturbances that permanently negatively affected their lives. In 2008 the FDA issued an advisory that those taking Chantix should be closely monitored for mood and behavior changes. People can also experience an inability to drive or operate heavy machinery while using Chantix so the Federal Aviation Administration added Chantix to a list of medications and drugs which are prohibited for pilots and air-traffic controllers.
Other severe side effects can be related to allergic reactions, such as rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest or swelling of the face. Any reports of severe side effects, such as memory loss, aggression, irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, blistered or peeling skin, seizures, vision changes or chest pain should be reported to your physician immediately.
After the release of Chantix to the open market several side effects have been reported that include depression, mania, psychosis, paranoia, delusions, hostility, panic, hypersensitivity reactions and serious skin conditions such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.
Like all other drugs used to help treat a condition, illness, or symptom there can be side effects and problems. The individual and physician must sit down and weigh the benefits against the risk in each individual case. This risk vs. benefit ratio can only be determined based on the individuals overall health, ability to be compliant and any other underlying medical condition.
WARNINGS
Chantix has been found to worsen any psychiatric illness, such as depression, schizophrenia or anxiety. Even if you have a psychiatric illness that is under good control the medication can cause a relapse or the recurrence of an old psychiatric illness that hasn't been symptomatic in years.
by: Duane Thomas
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