Stop Smoking

Quitting smoking is never easy. You need to persevere in your smoking cessation goal and make sure that come what may, you are going to kick the habit for good. There are various medications that will help you in this endeavour. This will not only help you quit smoking but also keep the nicotine withdrawal symptoms at bay.

Stop smoking medications

• Zyban - This prescription medication acts on the neurotransmitters in the brain namely, norepinephrine and dopamine. Its exact mechanism of action is sill not clear, but there is no doubt that smokers who have been prescribed Zyban, have managed to quit their smoking habit in relative comfort. Experts believe that the intake of Zyban helps release norepinephrine and dopamine, which in turn increases levels of satisfaction and pleasure in the brain.
• Champix - Varenicline, the active ingredient in Champix, is a nicotinic receptor partial agonist. It enacts a dual role in the brain. It partially stimulates the nicotine receptors to release dopamine. Also, the fact that it binds itself to these receptors helps it block the action of nicotine. So, smoking a cigarette is no longer the pleasurable exercise that it once was.
• Herbal medications - Herbal medicines are 100% natural medications that are non-addictive in nature. Not only do they help you stop smoking but they also act as nutritional supplements. They work by improving the physical and mental well-being of the user. With their intake, a smoker gradually loses his urge to smoke.

Side effects of smoking medications

• Side effects of Zyban - Some of the serious side effects linked to Zyban use include suicidal ideation and other neuropsychiatric symptoms. Some of the behavioral changes experienced by a Zyban user include agitation, anxiety and paranoia amongst various others. Some common side effects include diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, indigestion and sleeping trouble.
• Champix - Some of the common side effects of Champix include nausea, gas, vomiting, constipation and sleep problems. There are some people who have suffered from serious skin problems as a result of Champix intake including rash, swelling and peeling of skin amongst others. There are also some serious behavioral side effects of Champix including suicidal ideas, anxiety and agitation amongst other serious side effects.
• Herbal medications - Herbal medications are made of herbal extracts. As such, they have no known side effects.

Herbal medications are made of herbal extracts. As such, they have no known side effects.

Smoking and wrinkles

If you are a smoker, then there is a good chance that premature wrinkles are coming your way. When you smoke, the blood vessels in the epidermis constrict. This effects the circulation and flow of blood to the region. The skin thus misses out on the much needed oxygen and nutrients that are required for the upkeep of its health. Also tobacco smoke damages two important components of your skin, namely the collagen and the elastin. This weakens the skin and reduces its elasticity. Taken together, all these factors lead to the formation of wrinkles. This is yet another reason why you must quit smoking.

The aforementioned medications can help you in this regard. Awareness about their side effects will help you use them more effectively.