Anti-smoking drug triples success
 

The Guardian
London, UK
24 January, 2007


Anti-smoking drug triples success

An anti-smoking drug launched in Britain last month improves the odds of people quitting threefold, according to a comprehensive survey of trials.
Scientists at Oxford who pronounce on the effectiveness of new medical treatments by analysing published clinical data, found that varenicline, marketed by Pfizer under the name Champix, reduced smokers' cravings and boosted their chances of giving up over a 12-month period.

The £1.95-a-day (US$3.80) drug is the first new anti-smoking drug to be launched in 10 years. It works by stimulating the same brain receptors as nicotine. By doing so, it triggers the release of the feel-good hormone dopamine and partially blocks the action of nicotine, making smoking less satisfying.

Oxford University's Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group Review pooled data from six trials involving 2,451 people given varenicline and 2,473 volunteers given placebos. People taking the drug were three times more likely to give up, and 1½ times more likely to quit than those given bupropion, or Zyban, an antidepressant prescribed to smokers.

Kate Cahill, author of the study, said: "This is not a magic bullet, but it is an interesting drug because it mimics nicotine in the brain, which keeps withdrawal at bay, but also blocks the receptors, so if you smoke while taking it you won't experience the same satisfaction and pleasure."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/medicine/...1997315,00.html

Hi Demi,
Here's another article. I used the patch AND chewed the gum, but I say do whatever feels right for you.

http://whyquit.com/pr/101406.html

Thanks! ... but I actually gave up smoking myself 4 years ago. I was just posting the article for those who may be thinking of giving up and looking at the alternative ways available.

I just read your post over at the other thread. Congrats! I laughed when I read that you replaced them with Snickers bars, I used oatmeal cookies during the first weeks. Then I switched to the nicotine gum. I'm glad that you're doing so well!

I try to remind myself of that and not to take being a non-smoker for granted by reminding myself how awful being addicted really was and how lucky I am to have made it through the worse of it.

Do you still get nicotine cravings? If so how often?

LOL, I've no idea why you think I replaced them with Snickers bars!!!! ... haev you got the right person/post?? I used patches for a while, but nothing else!

It's been a while since I've had any cravings. Occasionally in the past I would suddenly feel like smoking a cigarette, but the thought was usually gone within seconds. If it lasted longer, then I'd just remind myself how digusting the taste would be, and how much I would probably cough having not had one for so long.

I read that someone used snickers bars LOL :lol: I'll have to look that one up again as I thought it was your post.My appologies :o I also wanted to say that now I understand why you put the post up and I too will be positive for all and any method that's out there to help. It's a good idea and supportive to all.