In the current pharmaceutical industry, there are several available quit smoking aids; roughly divided into nicotine replacement products (NRP) and non-nicotine products. The different products are used to stop smoking and each carrying with it their own pros and cons. The comparison of the different cessation aids are summarized below

Previously you read about how nicotine gum can be used to prevent weight gain. A second significant medication proven to delay post smoking weight gain is Zyban (sustained-release bupropion) (Rigotti 1999). The effects of Zyban on weight gain were evident by 2 months, and Zyban treatment showed a sustained and significant effect up to 1 year after stopping it.

Zyban has been shown to help people cease smoking, and has been long established. Zyban can help people feel alert and energetic and the fact that Australia even subsidizes it means it is an efficacious product.

Drug treatments address the biochemical aspects of smoking, and there are different stop smoking pills available on the market. In order to appreciate the success rate of these pills, we need to deduct the “natural” rate of smoking cessation (which is about 1.5–3% a year). Bearing this in mind, the rate of 15-20% quoted in different studies is significant in concluding the effectiveness of pills and medication in helping people quit smoking. (Hatziandreu, 1990). NRPs like nicotine patches, gum and inhalers which are discussed elsewhere. Below are the different non-nicotine anti-smoking pills found in pharmacies.

A study in Psychopharmacology on July 1 suggests that this vaccine may reduce the need and craving for nicotine. Mark LeSage, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Minnesota, found that when rats trained to self-administer nicotine were then injected with a nicotine vaccine, they subsequently used less nicotine.

Chantix is designed specifically to target nicotine receptors in the brain and block nicotine from attaching to your brain by binding to the receptors themselves. Although Chantix does not contain nicotine, it still excites the receptors and generates up to 60% of the dopamine levels of nicotine. This quit smoking drug is similar to ‘nicotine replacement therapy’ (NRT) which in theory help smokers stop by providing an alternate source of nicotine but at a reduced amount.

Nicotine replacement products (NRP) (aka Nicotine replacement therapy) have always been part of a smoking cessation armament. It helps reduce much of the psychological and physiological symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal as well as reduces the side effects of quitting smoking. This can increase the chances of quitting smoking. All forms of NRP (gum, skin patchs, nasal spray, inhaler and sublingual tablets/lozenges) are somewhat equally effective and they increase the odds of quitting by 1.5 to 2 fold regardless of setting. (Silagy, Cochrane 2007) This means smokers are much better off with NRT than without.