| Question: I’m trying to quit smoking. Are there prescription or over-the-counter drugs which will help me? |
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Question:
I’m trying to quit smoking. Are there prescription or
over-the-counter drugs which will help me?
Answer:
Craving for cigarettes are usually due to nicotine
addiction, the emotional dependence to feel better, or simply out of habit.
If you are a casual smoker, or smoke habitually without
nicotine addiction, normal chewing gums and sweets may be an option to use to
replace your cigarettes.
Smoking cessation aids contain nicotine in different
amounts. These may be employed to help smokers satisfy their nicotine cravings.
Four different aids are available from pharmacies, namely patches, inhalers,
chewing gums and lozenges. The type most suited for each individual can be
determined through a short questionnaire conducted by the pharmacists for you.
Bupropion is a tablet medication available on prescription from doctors to help
suppress the desire to smoke.
The duration of therapy may vary for individuals, with a
three month treatment period being the norm. They may be used alone or in
combination. Patients with epilepsy, diabetes and heart disease, pregnant or
breastfeeding are advised to consult their doctors and pharmacists before using
these aids.
To effectively quit smoking, motivational support coupled
with lifestyle changes are also important. Certain retail pharmacies offer free
“Quit Smoking Services”, where the pharmacists will monitor the smokers’
progress, give motivation and support that the smokers need to break the smoking
habit.
For further inquiry, you can email your question to admin@pss.org.sg
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