How to Stop Smoking With Doctor Prescribed Medications

Quitting smoking is difficult. Of the almost 46 percent of smokers who try to quit smoking annually, only 10 percent of those are successful short-term, and that figure drops to only 5 percent who are successful long-term. There are prescription options available from your doctor to help you quit.

1.     Take the prescription medication exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Failing to take it as directed may lead to an overdose, or it could be ineffective.

2.     Stop smoking according to your personalized plan. These medications have to build up in your system to be effective. As such, you start taking the medication at a low dose before your last cigarette. Generally, you will stop smoking one week after you start taking the medication. When you stop smoking, your dosage of the medication will increase for a little while.

3.     Prepare yourself for the side effects of the prescription smoking cessation products. Some of the more common side effects include flatulence, abnormal dreams, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, constipation and nausea.

4.     Refrain from using any other smoking cessation products unless you have your doctor’s permission to use them. This also includes herbal remedies and all-natural products. There is a chance of drug interactions if you use more than one product at a time.

5.     Participate in counseling according to the plan your doctor sets for you. Because the prescription medications must be stopped after a pre-determined amount of time, you need a comprehensive program that includes a solid support system after you stop taking the medication.