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Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Put the Fire Out: feel better after quiting smoking


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There are many aids for quitting smoking they include: nicotine and non-nicotine-based quit smoking aids. There are also gum, inhaler, nasal sprays and nicotine lozenges. You can also use acupuncture, bupropion (Zyban or Wellbutrin), and hypnosis.

The drug bupropion is marketed as Zyban®, Wellbutrin® SR and Wellbutrin® XL by GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) and is a prescription-strength anti-depressant that is used to help people quit smoking by reducing their nicotine withdrawl symptoms.

NRT's are Nicotine Replacement Therapy and can take the form of patches, injections, inhalers or gum. The patch is known as a nicotine transdermal system. It is one of the most popular NRT. NRT's are not recommended for long-term use. In order for NRT's to work, the person must be committed to quitting and willing to use them as directed.

A popular nicotine gum is Nicorette®. The gum is not to be used for more than 6 months and works best when used with a program. Do not swallow the gum or use more than 30 pieces a day. The Lozenges are for those who prefer not to use gum. Zyban® is a prescription medicine and is used along with the patch or gum. When using Zyban® and the gum together you must be monitored by a healthcare provider. The nasal spray comes in a pump and should not be used for more than 6 months. The inhaler is administered through the mouth but does not pass to the lungs; but through the mouth and throat where it then is absorbed through the mucus membranes.

If you are experiencing angina, any type of dental disease, have been diagnosed with diabetes, have high blood pressure, or an irregular heartbeat, an overactive thyroid, a previous heart attack, have experienced stomach problems or have had an allergic reaction to nicotine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives you should notify your healthcare provider. You should also let your provider know if you are or suspect you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.

You will begin to notice some health benefits almost immediately after you quit smoking. These benefits are:

Easier breathing

More energy

Better endurance

More confidence

More money to spend

Clothing loses that awful smell

Self-confidence and self-esteem return

Exercise becomes easier

Coughing subsides

Eating habits improve because cigarettes used to replace healthy foods

The sense of smell returns

Your complexion may improve

The heart muscle may feel more relaxed and more efficient

You may experience less heartburn or indigestion

You may also gain more respect for yourself

Your vehicle and home will smell better

Your teeth will start to look whiter

Your thinking patterns should improve

You won't experience guilt over exposing family, friends, loved ones and others to secondhand smoke anymore.

It is important to discuss all options with your healthcare provider and to weight all facts, side effects and risks with your provider before deciding on a course of action. The health benefits are many and you will enjoy your smoke-free life, you do however need to consider the route at which you arrive there to assure that you do not harm regarding methods chosen to get there.

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