Quit smoking pills come in two basic varieties: prescription drugs and herbal supplements. Each has advantages and disadvantages, along with certain risks. Neither method will work for everyone, but each will be effective for some people.
Prescription quit smoking pills, such as Zyban and Chantix, also offer a support center by phone or online. You make a plan to stop and pick a target date. You are generally allowed or even encouraged to continue to smoke for the first week you are taking your quit smoking pills. During the second week, you stop smoking, but continue to take your prescription quit smoking pills for another 8-12 weeks.
These prescription quit smoking pills are relatively expensive, and your insurance may or may not cover them. In addition, people with a history of mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, or depression, should discuss the matter openly with their doctor before taking prescription quit smoking pills. Even if there is no history of any problems, these quit smoking pills can cause depression, anxiety attacks, increased aggression and hostility, behavioral changes, suicidal thoughts, or even attempts, and, in rare cases, seizures. Since these quit smoking pills can exacerbate existing conditions or bring out latent ones, it is important that you follow your doctor’s advice, and it might be wise to discuss potential side effects with a friend or family member in case you fail to recognize changes in your attitude or behavior yourself.
Herbal quit smoking pills usually want you to quit smoking as soon as you begin their program. Few of them offer any kind of supplemental support system. Most of them offer a money back guarantee; what that is worth depends on the company, since some are quite prompt and offer little resistance, while others make it difficult to obtain a refund.
Quit smoking pills that are based on herbal formulas vary a great deal in which herbs they use. Many of them use lobelia, which makes cigarettes taste so bad that you quickly form an aversion to them. Most of them use two or more separate formulations, so they are actually a quit smoking kit rather than quit smoking pills. Some feature an oral spray that usually is intended to have a calming effect on the nerves and prevent the cough that most long term smokers will experience when they quit and the respiratory system starts trying to return to life.
Side effects from herbal quit smoking pills are generally mild unless you happen to be allergic to one of the ingredients, which is rare but possible. The most common side effect is nausea, gas or bloating, or unpleasant taste. Costs vary, but seem to average around $35-$40 per month.
No matter which type of quit smoking pills you decide to try, make a plan to quit. Choose a date when you can avoid those things that trigger your urge to smoke, such as driving, drinking, or a critical deadline. Try to find something you can substitute for a cigarette when the urge strikes you, such as knitting, solving a crossword puzzle, or taking a walk. And regardless of whether you choose prescription quit smoking pills or herbal ones, if you notice any unusual side effects such as dizziness, numbness, confusion, or lack of coordination, discontinue use and call your doctor immediately.