When you decide to quit smoking today, remember that there are plenty of ways to ease the withdrawal symptoms and increase your chance of quitting for good. Prescription medication is one of the most popular smoking cessation treatments that are often proven effective. When all other methods have failed, many people resort to medications.
However, smoking cessation drugs are not without health risks. To ensure safety and effectiveness of the drug, here are 5 things to remember:
1. See your doctor. It is risky to take a smoking cessation drug without consulting a health professional. There are medications that do not go well with other drugs. So if you are undergoing treatment for an illness, the more you need to speak to your doctor. Most medical professionals will be glad to assist you in finding the most suitable prescription medication for you. They can also give you other advices in dealing with the withdrawal symptoms.
2. Consider taking non-nicotine prescription medication. The biggest downfall of nicotine replacement therapy is that you don’t totally free yourself from addiction. You are just replacing the source of nicotine from cigarettes to the patch. As much as possible, look for medications that don’t contain this addictive compound, just like Chantix. This drug works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain, making smoking a less pleasurable experience.
3. Let your family and friends support you. You will need the guidance of support of your family as you battle with your urge to light up. Although the medication is going to help you deal with the symptoms, there is still a chance of relapse especially if your environment seems to encourage you back to smoking. Let your relatives and friends know that you are undergoing smoking cessation so they can help you avoid your smoking triggers. These people will also be your source of inspiration.
4. Get help from a counselor. Taking prescription medication becomes more effective when combined with psychotherapy. So you may consider seeking help from a qualified counselor who specializes in addiction. This person can guide you through the emotional and psychological aspects of smoking cessation. You can discuss with your counselor your progress, shortcomings, and other concerns.
5. Stop taking the med if symptoms persist. As mentioned, all prescription medications come with side effects. If you experience unusual symptoms while taking the drug or your craving for cigarettes does not subside after the period expected, immediately discontinue taking the med and call your doctor. Not all smoking cessation drugs are suitable for every smoker. Tell your doctor what you experienced with the drug.
By following these guidelines, you can stop smoking today without any fear of exposing yourself to serious health risks. Additional tip – aside from asking your doctor, you may want to obtain more information about the drug you’re considering. The web has a lot of credible sources that can help you get more information about each smoking cessation drug. And by the way, don’t worry if you slip for a couple of times. Eventually, you will succeed. Just don’t give up!
