People who smoke are faced each day with the recognition that their smelly habit isn’t pleasant for the people around them, that it is dangerous for their long-term health and that the rest of the world would prefer that they quit. What once was helped to relieve anxiety and stress now becomes the root of anxiety and stress in their lives. This continues until one day there is a recognition that something must change and the smoker decides to quit.

It is at this stage that they must decide HOW they are going to quit. There are several methods and support programs available today that can help a person to stop smoking. One that has shown significant promise is the medication Chantix (varenicline) which is an oral medication that theoretically works by blocking the effect of nicotine on the brain. The manufacturer states that it may make it easier for some smokers to stop smoking, although people continue to require persistence and commitment to the goal.

When nicotine enters the body it reaches the brain within 8 seconds. Once there it binds with neuroreceptors and stimulates the release of dopamine in the brain which is the neurotransmitter that gives the smoker positive feelings. When you quit the stimulation for dopamine is no longer available and the individual suffers through withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, depression, cravings, insomnia and difficulty concentrating.

Many of the nicotine replacement drugs on the market today will help to maintain those low levels of dopamine and gradually wean the person off of them while decreasing the symptoms of withdrawal. Reportedly, Chantix works in much the same way. It stimulates the release of dopamine and other chemicals that will reduce the signs and symptoms of withdrawal. It also blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain so that if you do slip up and smoke a cigarette you don’t get the same nicotine “high” that you got in the past. The theory is that smoking the cigarette becomes much less pleasurable and the desire to return to smoking is reduced or eliminated.

Researchers found that the drug should be started about a week before you decide to quit to allow the drug full penetration in the body. You’ll get a 12 week prescription that may be extended another 12 weeks if you remain smoke free the first 12 weeks. This may improve the chances that you’ll be able to quit altogether. During the first 12 weeks the doctor will gradually increase the dose from 1 x a day to 2 x a day to reduce any side effects you might experience.

At this time the number of studies which indicate the efficacy of the drug have been small the results have shown that the results are better than a placebo to help smokers to quit. People who took the drug reported less side effects or withdrawal symptoms than those who didn’t take the medication.

Studies to this point have compared the efficacy of Chantix to other oral medications used in smoking cessation programs, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), and not against other nicotine replacement therapy treatments, such as nicotine gum or patches. And, it is important to remember that the individuals who participated in the Chantix studies also received counseling and support which has been shown to improve the success rate of quitting smoking, even when used with individuals who are going “cold turkey” – without any medication or nicotine replacement therapy support.

The side effects of Chantix

People who take Chantix report that they experience nausea, headache, vomiting, gas, insomnia, vivid or abnormal dreams or that the medication will change the way in which food tastes. After the release of the drug there were several reports of individuals who suffered from psychiatric disturbances that permanently negatively affected their lives. In 2008 the FDA issued an advisory that those taking Chantix should be closely monitored for mood and behavior changes. People can also experience an inability to drive or operate heavy machinery while using Chantix so the Federal Aviation Administration added Chantix to a list of medications and drugs which are prohibited for pilots and air-traffic controllers.

Other severe side effects can be related to allergic reactions, such as rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest or swelling of the face. Any reports of severe side effects, such as memory loss, aggression, irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, blistered or peeling skin, seizures, vision changes or chest pain should be reported to your physician immediately.

After the release of Chantix to the open market several side effects have been reported that include depression, mania, psychosis, paranoia, delusions, hostility, panic, hypersensitivity reactions and serious skin conditions such as Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Like all other drugs used to help treat a condition, illness, or symptom there can be side effects and problems. The individual and physician must sit down and weigh the benefits against the risk in each individual case. This risk vs. benefit ratio can only be determined based on the individuals overall health, ability to be compliant and any other underlying medical condition.

WARNINGS

Chantix has been found to worsen any psychiatric illness, such as depression, schizophrenia or anxiety. Even if you have a psychiatric illness that is under good control the medication can cause a relapse or the recurrence of an old psychiatric illness that hasn’t been symptomatic in years.

Quitting the Natural Way

Kicking the habit and stopping smoking is extremely difficult and requires willpower, determination and support. Once you have made the decision that you want to stop smoking, there are various treatment options available to assist you including nicotine replacement therapy, hypnosis, counseling and prescription medications.

Natural and holistic treatments can also lessen the urge to smoke and help you to restore balance in your body. Treatments like herbal and homeopathic remedies are safe and effective to use. They contain a combination of ingredients such as Avena sativa, Garcinia cambogia and Gotu Cola (Centella asiatica) to reduce nicotine cravings and balance the mood. Consult a reputable homeopath, herbalist or naturopath for guidance on a management plan tailored to suit your needs.

The Stop Smoking UltraPack helps support balanced mood, soothe nerves and enhances emotional well being with homeopathic remedies for relief from restlessness and agitation while quitting cigarettes. The complete solution – Stop Smoking UltraPack – includes one of each:

RXHale – A natural, safe, and effective herbal stop smoking medication that treats symptoms of nicotine withdrawal naturally – before they start! Rx-Hale Tablets contain a unique combination of herbal and mineral ingredients to assist with the management of depression and mood swings. Taken during the month before you stop smoking and continued for a few months until the worst is over, Rx-Hale Tablets ensure that your efforts to stop smoking are not foiled by depression, mood swings and sugar cravings. Taking the tablets every day during the 30 days before you stop also prepares you psychologically for nicotine withdrawal and ensures that you begin the process feeling strong and ready to face the challenges ahead of you!

Crave-RX – a natural, safe, and effective herbal stop smoking medication that controls nicotine craving, severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and nicotine withdrawal duration without using harmful and expensive nicotine products! Crave-Rx Drops contain a unique combination of selected herbal ingredients which have been clinically proven to reduce the craving for nicotine due to their balancing effect on the brain chemicals known to be associated with addiction. Crave-Rx Drops also contain herbs which will help to prevent the sugar cravings and compensatory overeating which often cause people to go back to cigarettes due to unwanted weight gain. Now you can safely stop smoking without gaining weight!

NicoTonic – a proven, safe and effective natural remedy that is an excellent and very effective aid in reducing emotional ability and restlessness associated with withdrawal from nicotine or other addictive drugs. Tissue salts are easy to take, pleasant tasting and even children love to take them! Safe during pregnancy, nursing and free of side effects. Regular use ensures systemic balance of biochemic tissue salts in the body, optimizes health at the cellular level, relieves symptoms of disease, restores health and vitality, optimizes the therapeutic effects of other remedies by improving systemic functioning and metabolism.

Formulated by a clinical psychologist, these remedies within the Stop Smoking UltraPack are pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards.

Hypnosis Can Also Help You Quit

The Non-Smoker’s Edge – Quitting smoking is tough, but The Non-Smoker’s Edge is tougher. This extensive 7-CD audio hypnosis program combines eight full sessions of smoking-cessation hypnosis with one session of behavior modification strategies and one session of smoking aversion therapy. Research shows these tools can improve your chance of success from less than 5% to more than 66%. Learn more about The Non-Smoker’s Edge now!