There are prescription drugs that have been shown to help people quit tobacco. Some can be used along with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). You often need to start taking them in the weeks before your Quit Day (the day you plan to quit).
People who are significantly dependent on nicotine should consider nicotine replacement and/or drug therapy to help them quit. Signs of severe nicotine dependence in people who smoke include:
- Smoking more than 1 pack a day
- Smoking within 5 minutes of waking up
- Smoking even while sick
- Waking up at night to smoke
- Smoking to ease symptoms of withdrawal
The more of these that apply, the more serious the dependence.
Talk to your health care provider if you think you might want to use one of these drugs to help you quit tobacco. You’ll need a prescription. It’s also a good idea to talk to your health insurance about coverage for these medications.
If you plan to use a prescription drug to quit tobacco, talk with your health care provider about exactly when to start, and how to use the medicine. Also find out what side effects to watch for and report. Put a note on your calendar to remind you when to start taking it.
Varenicline (Chantix)
Varenicline (also called Chantix) is a prescription medicine developed to help people stop smoking. It works by interfering with nicotine receptors in the brain. This means it has 2 effects:
- It lessens the pleasure a person gets from smoking.
- It reduces the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
For people trying to quit smokeless tobacco, several studies have shown varenicline can increase their chance of quitting when compared to taking no medicines at all, at least in the short term. (Some studies have also found NRT lozenges can help.)
You typically start taking varenicline (a pill) about a month to a week before your Quit Day. Take it after meals, with a full glass of water. The daily dose increases over the first 8 days you take it. If you have problems with the higher doses, a lower dose may be used while you try to quit.
Typically, varenicline is given for 12 weeks, but people who quit during that time may get another 12 weeks of treatment to boost their chances of staying off tobacco. It’s important to keep up with other support systems during this time and for at least a few months after quitting.
Tell your provider about any medical conditions and allergies you have before you start varenicline, including if you might be pregnant.
