Will This Make You Quit Smoking?
What is Chantix?
Chantix is a prescription based pill to help users quit smoking. Chantix is the trade name for Varenicline, which is a non nicotine pill available only by prescription to help individuals 18 and over to quit smoking. It is manufactured by Pfizer.
The Science Behind Chantix
Chantix is believed to work by zeroing in on nicotine receptors in the brain. Chantix attaches to these receptors and blocks the nicotine from reaching them. Researches believe that Chantix also activates these receptors, causing a reduced release of dopamine compared to nicotine.
What this means is that the drug works in the brain to block the pleasurable effects of smoking. This helps to decrease your desire to keep smoking. By blocking the nicotine receptors in your brain, it makes smoking much less desirable. So if you're not enjoying it anymore, you are more likely to quit. Also, when you are not smoking, your withdrawal symptoms are diminished because Chantix is simulating the release of low levels of dopamine and other chemicals in your brain.
Does it Really Work?
In a clinical trial, 44% of Chantix users quit during weeks 9 to 12 of cessation treatment. This was compared to 18% on a sugar pill. Chantix also helped reduce the urge to smoke. In reality, it will work better for some people and not for others. The desire to actually want to quit will make a huge difference.
The success rate will increase if you follow the instructions exactly and include some behavioral modification techniques. You can benefit from quit smoking support programs, counseling sessions and support groups. These will help you immensely. You begin taking the Chantix, one week before your actual quit smoking date.
Why is it so Hard to Quit Smoking?
The simple answer is it is an addiction. Part of it is habit and the other part is that nicotine addiction is chemically related. When you smoke, the cigarette nicotine causes receptors in your brain to release several chemicals, especially dopamine. Dopamine has an effect on the pleasurable feelings we have.
So when you smoke, the dopamine level is increased. When you quit or go without the cigarettes for a while, then the dopamine chemical is reduced causing your mind and body to crave the nicotine. This makes you feel better again by increasing the dopamine levels in your brain.
The Potentially Dangerous Side Effects
It however has got a myriad of potential side effects that you need to be aware of. One of the most important side effects you need to be aware of is suicidal feelings and thoughts. Some users have reported having vivid dreams while taking Chantix. Do not take these feelings or dreams lightly.
If you experience any suicidal thoughts or depression, discontinue the usage and consult your doctor. Also tell your doctor about any history of depression or other mental health problems before taking Chantix, as these symptoms may worsen. Some of the other side effects that could occur while taking the drug include panic attacks, anxiety, anger, abnormal sensations, paranoia, hallucinations or even confusion.
But this is only the psychological part of the effects associated with the drug. Some of the physical side effects are skin related and include peeling of the skin and rashes. It could also be possible to generate other allergic reactions like the swelling of the mouth, throat or the face as well. Other more common side effects are constipation, vomiting, sleep problems, strange dreams and nausea. Nausea seems to be the most prevalent accounting for 30% of the cases reported.
Is it Right for You?
There is no doubt that Chantix has helped people quit smoking. To determine if it is right for you, consult your doctor and review your medical history. If it is prescribed, follow his instructions exactly. If any side effects are noticed, discontinue at once and call for you doctor for further consultation.
Chantix is a prescription based pill to help users quit smoking. Chantix is the trade name for Varenicline, which is a non nicotine pill available only by prescription to help individuals 18 and over to quit smoking. It is manufactured by Pfizer.
The Science Behind Chantix
Chantix is believed to work by zeroing in on nicotine receptors in the brain. Chantix attaches to these receptors and blocks the nicotine from reaching them. Researches believe that Chantix also activates these receptors, causing a reduced release of dopamine compared to nicotine.
What this means is that the drug works in the brain to block the pleasurable effects of smoking. This helps to decrease your desire to keep smoking. By blocking the nicotine receptors in your brain, it makes smoking much less desirable. So if you're not enjoying it anymore, you are more likely to quit. Also, when you are not smoking, your withdrawal symptoms are diminished because Chantix is simulating the release of low levels of dopamine and other chemicals in your brain.
Does it Really Work?
In a clinical trial, 44% of Chantix users quit during weeks 9 to 12 of cessation treatment. This was compared to 18% on a sugar pill. Chantix also helped reduce the urge to smoke. In reality, it will work better for some people and not for others. The desire to actually want to quit will make a huge difference.
The success rate will increase if you follow the instructions exactly and include some behavioral modification techniques. You can benefit from quit smoking support programs, counseling sessions and support groups. These will help you immensely. You begin taking the Chantix, one week before your actual quit smoking date.
Why is it so Hard to Quit Smoking?
The simple answer is it is an addiction. Part of it is habit and the other part is that nicotine addiction is chemically related. When you smoke, the cigarette nicotine causes receptors in your brain to release several chemicals, especially dopamine. Dopamine has an effect on the pleasurable feelings we have.
So when you smoke, the dopamine level is increased. When you quit or go without the cigarettes for a while, then the dopamine chemical is reduced causing your mind and body to crave the nicotine. This makes you feel better again by increasing the dopamine levels in your brain.
The Potentially Dangerous Side Effects
It however has got a myriad of potential side effects that you need to be aware of. One of the most important side effects you need to be aware of is suicidal feelings and thoughts. Some users have reported having vivid dreams while taking Chantix. Do not take these feelings or dreams lightly.
If you experience any suicidal thoughts or depression, discontinue the usage and consult your doctor. Also tell your doctor about any history of depression or other mental health problems before taking Chantix, as these symptoms may worsen. Some of the other side effects that could occur while taking the drug include panic attacks, anxiety, anger, abnormal sensations, paranoia, hallucinations or even confusion.
But this is only the psychological part of the effects associated with the drug. Some of the physical side effects are skin related and include peeling of the skin and rashes. It could also be possible to generate other allergic reactions like the swelling of the mouth, throat or the face as well. Other more common side effects are constipation, vomiting, sleep problems, strange dreams and nausea. Nausea seems to be the most prevalent accounting for 30% of the cases reported.
Is it Right for You?
There is no doubt that Chantix has helped people quit smoking. To determine if it is right for you, consult your doctor and review your medical history. If it is prescribed, follow his instructions exactly. If any side effects are noticed, discontinue at once and call for you doctor for further consultation.
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