Wellness Medicine

Quit Smoking

Addiction Treatments

Dr. Sheta has developed programs to treat the various forms of drug dependencies, the most common being cigarette addiction.  He has also devised a program to rid users of their addiction to the opiate family of drugs.

Smoking Cessation

Dr. Sheta usee employs the use of three therapies to assist you in quitting:  Chantix treatments in combination with NRT's (Nicotine Replacement Therapy).

 

 

Cigarette smokers who want to quit have several medications to choose from to help in their effort to stop smoking. Chantix works by blocking the effect that nicotine has on the brain. Chantix may make it easier to stop smoking. To be successful, you still need persistence and commitment to your goal.

How is Chantix different from other stop-smoking aids?

When you smoke, the nicotine from your cigarette causes receptors in your brain to release a chemical called dopamine, which is what causes many of the positive feelings you get when you smoke. When you quit smoking, going without dopamine causes the sometimes miserable signs and symptoms of withdrawal. Signs and symptoms such as irritability, insomnia and difficulty concentrating begin four to six hours after your last cigarette and can last a month after you quit smoking.

Nicotine replacement products, including the patch, gum and lozenges, and the antidepressant bupropion (Zyban), can help you stop smoking, in part, by continuing to release low levels of dopamine in your brain. In this way, these stop-smoking medications decrease your craving for nicotine and reduce the signs and symptoms of withdrawal.

Chantix works in this way, too. Chantix stimulates the release of low levels of dopamine in your brain to help reduce the signs and symptoms of withdrawal. In addition, Chantix blocks nicotine receptors in your brain. So if you lapse and have a cigarette, your cigarette doesn't stimulate your brain's receptors the way it did in the past. Cigarettes become much less pleasurable, and your desire to return to regular smoking again may be reduced.

How do you take Chantix?

For best results, it's recommended that you start taking Chantix a week before your quit date. Doctors prescribe the pill for 12 weeks — once a day at first, then twice a day. Gradually increasing the dose helps reduce the chance of side effects. If you've remained smoke-free after 12 weeks, your doctor may consider prescribing an additional 12 weeks of Chantix to improve your chances of remaining smoke-free.

Note: Be sure to tell your doctor about any history of psychiatric illness before taking Chantix. Chantix may worsen a psychiatric illness even if it's currently under control. It may also cause an old psychiatric illness to recur.
Does Chantix work?

While only a few studies have been performed, results show Chantix works better than a sugar pill (placebo) at helping smokers quit. Researchers found more people were able to remain smoke-free with Chantix. Participants reported reduced withdrawal signs and symptoms and reduced pleasure from smoking. In addition to medication, participants in the studies also received weekly counseling to help them quit.

Chantix also appears to work better than the antidepressant bupropion, though results have been mixed. One study found that Chantix worked better for only the first 24 weeks. Others found Chantix worked better than bupropion for up to a year after participants quit smoking.

Chantix hasn't been compared with nicotine replacement products, such as the patch or gum, in research studies.

While these results sound promising, keep in mind that the majority of participants taking Chantix in studies didn't quit smoking. Most couldn't remain smoke-free for the first 12 weeks of the studies. The percentage of smokers who were smoke-free a year after quitting with Chantix ranged from 14 percent to 23 percent in clinical trials.

What side effects have been reported with Chantix?

Participants in clinical trials reported side effects, including:

    * Nausea
    * Headache
    * Vomiting
    * Gas
    * Insomnia
    * Vivid, abnormal dreams
    * Changes in the way food tastes

Some side effects may lessen as your body adjusts to the medication and the withdrawal of nicotine. Taking Chantix after eating and with a full glass of water may reduce the risk of nausea.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory in 2008 that healthcare professionals, patients, patients' families and caregivers should be alert to and monitor for changes in mood and behavior in people taking Chantix. Symptoms may include anxiety, nervousness, tension, depressed mood, unusual behaviors and thinking about or attempting suicide. People taking Chantix should report changes in mood and behavior to their doctor immediately. The FDA also advises that people taking Chantix may experience impaired ability to drive or operate heavy machinery.

Don't take Chantix if you're pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, or if you're breast-feeding. Chantix hasn't been studied in these situations, so it isn't clear if it's safe for these women.

People with kidney problems and those on dialysis may need to have a lower dose of Chantix, so discuss this with your doctor.

Quitting smoking may alter the effects of certain medications and supplements on your body. Tell your doctor about all the medications and supplements you're taking, especially if you're taking inhaled insulin, asthma medicines or blood thinners.

Should you consider Chantix?

For your best chance at quitting smoking with Chantix, you must be committed to your goal. Chantix and other stop-smoking aids may increase the likelihood that you'll quit smoking, but they don't make quitting easy. Most smokers try many times to quit. Most try many different medications and strategies, such as counseling, to stop smoking before they finally succeed. Quitting smoking is very difficult and requires planning and persistence, but it can be done.

NRT's (Nicotine Replacement Therapy)

Inhalers

The nicotine inhaler allows you to mimic the hand-to-mouth motions of smoking.
The nicotine inhaler is a device that allows you to receive low doses of nicotine using the same hand-to-mouth motions of smoking. When you puff gently on the device, nicotine vapor is released from a cartridge inside the device. Hold the vapor in your mouth for a few seconds and then blow it out — don't try to inhale it into your lungs. The nicotine is absorbed through the lining in your mouth and throat.
The inhaler is available by prescription under the brand name Nicotrol.

• Pros: You control the dose of nicotine you receive. You can take as few puffs as needed to satisfy withdrawal symptoms or cravings and save the rest of the cartridge for later in the day. The inhaler also keeps your hands and mouth busy.
• Cons: It may initially cause coughing and mouth or throat irritation.
• Timelines: The inhaler is often used for six to 12 weeks. Most people use six to 16 cartridges a day at first and gradually taper to nothing.
• Caution: The inhaler may not be appropriate for people who have lung diseases, such as asthma. Don't smoke while using the inhaler. You may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness.

Nicotine patch The nicotine patch provides a steady release of nicotine.
The nicotine patch is a small, self-adhesive patch that slowly releases nicotine into the bloodstream through the outer layer of skin. It can be applied anywhere between the waist and neck — often on the upper arm or shoulder. Patches must be replaced every 24 hours. To minimize potential skin irritation, avoid putting the patch in the same place more than once every two weeks or so.
Brand names include Nicoderm CQ and Habitrol. Generic patches also are available.

• Pros: The patch is easy to use and provides a steady release of nicotine. It's available without a prescription and in various doses. This flexibility allows you to manage your withdrawal symptoms and cravings, as well as to gradually taper the amount of nicotine you receive as you become more comfortable not smoking.
• Cons: You can't quickly adjust the amount of nicotine in the patch in response to cravings. The patch may cause itching and irritation where it's applied. Other side effects may include dizziness and upset stomach. Occasionally, patches may cause sleep disturbances and vivid, colorful dreams. Removing the patch at night may help.
• Timelines: The patch should be used for at least eight weeks and often longer if withdrawal symptoms persist.
• Caution: The patch may not be appropriate if you have certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Don't smoke while using the patch. You may get too much nicotine and experience nausea or dizziness.