Friday, April 11, 2008

Champix varenicline or cold turkey

Most people quit smoking without any aid; this is called quitting cold turkey. Before few years, when smoking cessation aids were not introduced, many people tried to quit smoking in this way. However, the success rate of this method was quite low and many people tried several times before they gave up on giving up smoking.

Smoking cessation aids

Many aids such as nicotine patches, nicotine gums, and hypnotherapies came in the market to help people quit smoking. The success rates of these methods were higher than cold turkey method. Another drug called Zyban was also introduced before few years, but never attained the heights of popularity due to its side effects. One of the most popular aids for smoking cessation today is Champix varenicline.

Benefits of Champix varenicline

The success rate of Champix varenicline is four times higher than that of cold turkey method and twice higher than that of Zyban. These success rates are based on clinical trials results.

The reason the success of Champix varenicline is higher is because of its mode of treatment. Champix affects the nicotine receptors in the brain and does not allow nicotine from cigarettes to attach to the receptors. This tricks your brain into believing that you are getting nicotine and you do not crave for smoking. You also do not have to face withdrawal symptoms. Moreover, even if you smoke, you do not get any pleasure out of it. You cannot get all these benefits if you quit smoking cold turkey.

Disadvantages of Champix varenicline

Though Champix varenicline has many benefits, it has some disadvantages too. Champix side effects can be termed as disadvantages of Champix varenicline. Some of the Champix side effects such as sleeping problems, nausea, vomiting and strange dreams may make it difficult for you to quit smoking. However, if you quit smoking cold turkey, withdrawal symptoms and nasty cravings may make smoking cessation difficult for you.

So now the decision is yours, you decide if you want to go for cold turkey method or Champix varenicline.

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