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Nicotine-free drugs to quit smoking, like Champix and Zyban, aim to help decrease the desire to smoke and the symptoms that arise when you start to reduce cigarette consumption, such as anxiety, irritability or weight gain, for example.
There are also nicotine quitting drugs, such as Niquitin or Nicorette in the form of an adhesive, lozenge or gum, which provide safe doses of nicotine, without the harms of all other cigarette components, helping to reduce the need for nicotine over time. Know the symptoms that can occur if you stop smoking.
Nicotine-free remedies
The nicotine-free remedies for smoking cessation are described in the following table:
Remedy name | How to use | Side effects | Benefits |
Bupropion (Zyban, Zetron or Bup) | 1 150 mg tablet, administered once daily for three consecutive days. Then it should be increased to 150 mg twice a day. A minimum interval of 8 hours must be observed between successive doses. | Reduced reflexes, dizziness, headache, agitation, anxiety, tremors, insomnia and dry mouth | Equal effect on men and women, prevents weight gain. |
Varenicline (Champix) | 1 0.5 mg tablet daily for 3 days and then 1 0.5 mg tablet twice daily for 4 days. From the 8th day, until the end of the treatment, the recommended dose is 1 tablet of 1 mg, twice a day. | Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, insomnia and increased appetite | Very well tolerated, equal effect on men and women |
Nortriptyline | 1 tablet of 25 mg daily, 2 to 4 weeks before the scheduled date to stop smoking. Then, increase the dose every 7 or 10 days, until the dose reaches 75 to 100 mg / day. Keep this dose for 6 months | Dry mouth, dizziness, hand tremors, restlessness, urinary retention, decreased pressure, arrhythmia and sedation | Used when other treatments are not effective. It is usually the last treatment to be prescribed by the doctor. |
These remedies require prescription and follow-up by the doctor. The general practitioner and the pulmonologist are indicated to accompany and advise the individual during the process of quitting smoking.
Nicotine Remedies
The nicotine smoking cessation remedies are described in the following table:
Remedy name | How to use | Side effects | Benefits |
Niquitin or Nicorette in gums | Chew until it tastes or tingles and then place the gum between the gum and the cheek. When the tingling ends, chew again for 20 to 30 minutes. Food should not be eaten during use and after 15 to 30 minutes | Gum injuries, overproduction of saliva, bad taste in the mouth, soft teeth, nausea, vomiting, hiccups and jaw pain | Easy and practical administration, allows dose adjustment |
Niquitin or Nicorette in tablets | Suck the tablet slowly until finished | Similar to the side effects of Niquitin or Nicorette in gums, except for changes in teeth and jaw pain | Easy and practical administration, releases more nicotine in relation to gums, does not adhere to teeth |
Niquitin or Nicorette on stickers | Apply a patch every morning to an area of skin without hair and without exposure to the sun. Vary the place where the adhesive is applied | Redness at the patch site, excess saliva production, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and insomnia | Prevents withdrawal syndrome at night, prolonged administration, does not interfere with food |
In Brazil, nicotine patches and lozenges can be used without a prescription and are a good option for individuals who want to quit smoking alone. See also home remedies that help you quit smoking.
Watch the video and see what else can help you quit smoking: