Quit Smoking Aids: Non-nicotine Medications

You also may want to try one of two non-nicotine quit smoking medications in addition to a nicotine replacement therapy. One is called bupropion (brand name: Zyban®). It has an effect on the nicotine receptors in your brain through a chemical associated with the pleasure of smoking cigarettes. The other is called varenicline (brand name: Chantix™). This medication acts like nicotine and fools the receptors in the brain into believing they've already had their dose of nicotine. Prescriptions are needed for both medications. Check out Dr. Hurt's advice in the video to the right.

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Food & Drug Administration Warning

The Food & Drug Administration has warned that both bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix) have been associated with serious adverse effects, including hostility, agitation, depressed mood, and suicidal thoughts or actions.  The risks that are known to be associated with smoking must be balanced against the small, but real risk of these serious adverse effects.  People who are taking either bupropion or varenicline and experience any serious and unusual changes in mood or behavior or who feel like hurting themselves or someone else should stop taking the medicine and call their healthcare professional right away.  Bupropion, varenicline and nicotine replacement medications are also not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding without consulting their doctor. Ask your doctor if one of these medications is right for you. As always, read and follow label directions. Also keep in mind that new medications are being developed all the time to help people stop smoking. Ask your doctor if anything new is available.