“What side effects should I expect from medications for my addictions?”
I went to an addictive specialist for my addiction to smoking about a week ago. When we were discussing treatment options, she suggested for me to take medication. Could this really help with smoking? Are there any side effects that I should be aware of?
2 Answers
AddictionMedicineSpecialistSmokingaddiction
Depends on the medication. Three are commonly used to help people quit cigarettes: Revia (bupropion), Chantix, and nicotine replacement with a patch, gum, or lozenges. You would need to take any of these medications for several months or more until the craving for tobacco is fully out of your system.
Chantix probably works best. It is a nicotine receptor blocker, which means that when you take a drag on a cigarette, the nicotine goes to your brain as usual, but the Chantix blocks your brain from receiving it, and you don't get they typical cigarette buzz. Chantix rarely has any side effects. So, when you take it, nothing happens, and when you smoke, nothing happens. Rarely, it can cause changes in mood or especially vivid dreams.
Revia is an antidepressant medication that helps you quit smoking two ways. First, sometimes people become depressed when they quit, and Revia blocks this depression. Second, often people gain weight after quitting, and Revia prevents that, too.
You can get most nicotine replacement products over-the-counter, i.e., without a prescription; nicotine patches, Commit lozenges, and Nicorette gum. All are available as generics at a lower cost. They are worth a try and do work well with the other medications, but in my experience, they often don't work as well as the other choices.
Chantix probably works best. It is a nicotine receptor blocker, which means that when you take a drag on a cigarette, the nicotine goes to your brain as usual, but the Chantix blocks your brain from receiving it, and you don't get they typical cigarette buzz. Chantix rarely has any side effects. So, when you take it, nothing happens, and when you smoke, nothing happens. Rarely, it can cause changes in mood or especially vivid dreams.
Revia is an antidepressant medication that helps you quit smoking two ways. First, sometimes people become depressed when they quit, and Revia blocks this depression. Second, often people gain weight after quitting, and Revia prevents that, too.
You can get most nicotine replacement products over-the-counter, i.e., without a prescription; nicotine patches, Commit lozenges, and Nicorette gum. All are available as generics at a lower cost. They are worth a try and do work well with the other medications, but in my experience, they often don't work as well as the other choices.
Without knowing which medication she has recommended, it is difficult to answer this. Having said that though, there are medications which can help you quit smoking. Like all medications, there are side effects to anything you take. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for what the most common ones are. Good luck!
