Nicotine Patches

A nicotine patch is specifically designed to help reduce your craving for
nicotine. The way it does this is by delivering a steady dose of nicotine
throughout your day. The patch works by delivering a regulated dose of
nicotine into your bloodstream through the skin. This steady
introduction of nicotine helps to maintain your nicotine level throughout
the day. While this level is generally lower than if you were still smoking,
it's enough to eliminate withdrawal symptoms, especially the cravings.

The initial patch program goes on for about six weeks. This is the most

difficult period and when the dosage will be highest. After this period,
the patch prescribed will be of a lower dosage for two weeks and then a
still lower dosage for the last two weeks. At this point, you should be
smoke free.

Most nicotine patches are not available over the counter. They must be
prescribed by a physician. Since the average cigarette contains only one
milligram of nicotine, the prescription will be based upon the number of
cigarettes you normally smoke in a day. As in all nicotine replacement
treatment programs, it's vital to let your doctor know of any medical
conditions you may have.

There is one brand that can be bought over the counter. It's a fifteen
milligram dose and is worn only during the day. Before you go to bed at
night, you remove the patch and toss it out. In the morning, you start
the day with a fresh one.

There can be some side effects when using a nicotine patch to quit
smoking. These can include a rash or skin irritation such as itching or
burning around the patch itself. On occasion, a patch can cause nausea
or dizziness. In addition, you'll want to refrain from smoking when using
the patch. Otherwise, you risk the potential for a nicotine overdose.
You can wear a nicotine patch on your arms, back, or any other place
that's hairless and clean and provides a good surface.

Stop Smoking Medication: Zyban

Buy Zyban

There are not many choices if you're looking for a medication to help you to quit smoking. In fact, the best place to start is with a visit to your doctor, who can explain your options and recommend what he believes will work best for you.

Having said that, currently the most popular medication for helping smokers kick their habit is Zyban (Bupropion hydrochloride). Zyban does not contain nicotine, so you can continue to smoke when you first begin to take it and as you wean yourself off cigarettes altogether. While it doesn't contain nicotine, Zyban does give your body the impression that it does, so you won't experience the intensity of the usual symptoms associated with quitting smoking.

According to clinical trials, "treatment with Zyban reduced withdrawal symptoms compared to placebo. Reductions on the following withdrawal symptoms were most pronounced: irritability, frustration, or anger; anxiety; difficulty concentrating; restlessness; and depressed mood or negative effect. Depending on the study and the measure used, treatment with Zyban showed evidence of reduction in craving for cigarettes or urge to smoke compared to placebo."

Zyban is recommended for those who cannot use nicotine medications and for those who've tried other products unsuccessfully. It's also highly recommended for those concerned with weight gain, as it prevents this. You will, of course, require a prescription from your doctor to use Zyban. In fact, for those with a severe smoking addiction, your doctor may prescribe a combination of Zyban and a nicotine patch or a gum for best results.

Zyban's success rates have ranged as high as 58%, though most studies resulted in a success rate between 15%-25%.

The most common side effects experienced with Zyban include dry mouth and difficulty sleeping. There are also other risks associated with its use, so it's important to talk with your healthcare professional to see whether Zyban is right for you.