Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Chantix vs. Zyban – Comparison between two leading prescription drugs

Chantix and Zyban are the two popular prescription medicines which help smokers break their smoking habit. Although, both these quit smoking medications work towards a common goal, they differ from each other in more ways than one.

Varenicline is a smoking cessation pill which has been particularly designed to reduce nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms that are commonly found in smokers who are in the process of quitting smoking. Varenicline works by blocking the very receptors in the brain that are linked to nicotine addiction. While bupropion was primarily an antidepressant that was later approved for use as a smoking cessation medicine. In fact, the comparative study shows that varenicline, even in lower dosages, is far more effective than bupropion; it performs better in the short term as well as in the long term.

The Chantix vs. Zyban study reveals some interesting differences. Chantix vs. Zyban differences include:

• While Chantix is manufactured by Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline manufactures Zyban
• Varenicline is a smoking cessation medicine while Bupropion is an aid to smoking cessation treatment
• Chantix was approved on May 11, 2006 while Zyban was approved on May 14, 1997, by the FDA
• While varenicline is designed to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms, bupropion was primarily designed to treat a condition called major depressive disorder
• Chantix blocks the nicotine receptors in the brain while Zyban’s ability to help patients abstain from smoking is unknown
• Varenicline tartrate is the active ingredient in Chantix while the active ingredient in Zyban is bupropion hydrochloride
• A 12 week smoking cessation study shows a success rate of 44% for varenicline and 29.5 % for bupropion
• 1 year study shows 22% abstinence with Chantix and 16% abstinence with Zyban
• While the varenicline dosage is 1mg twice daily, Bupropion is 150mg twice daily, which is comparatively much higher and yet less effective
• Varenicline must not be used in combination with other smoking cessation medicines while a combination treatment of bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy may be prescribed

Having mentioned all the major varenicline advantages over Bupropion, you should buy Chantix to quit smoking because it is the only approved drug that can facilitate the process of quitting without the nagging withdrawal symptoms. If you buy Chantix to quit smoking, it will convince your brain that you have the amount of nicotine you want – without actually having it. If you decide to buy Chantix, a nicotine-free treatment, to quit smoking, you can easily find it in all accredited pharmacies as well as online, throughout the US, but only with a valid doctor’s prescription.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Nicotine replacement aids, Chantix and Zyban – Your guide to quit smoking

The best quit smoking aid is your own will and determination. You have to be motivated and committed enough to kick the habit, otherwise no quit smoking aid can help you. If you are ready to quit, any of the quit smoking aids might work well for you. Most of the quit smoking aids are so designed that they help people quit smoking gradually. Choosing one that is right for you is essentially a matter of preference, barring any medical concerns you might have. It is therefore a good idea to check with your doctor about a quit smoking aid that will work best for you.

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) which include nicotine gum, nicotine inhalers, nicotine patches as well as nicotine lozenges provide you with a measured dose of nicotine to help ease the physical symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. Unlike cigarettes, NRTs contain only nicotine, which when used as directed, allow you to withdraw from the debilitating effects of nicotine by gradually reducing the amount in each dose. Get quit smoking help online for free.

The nicotine patch resembles a square tan or clear bandage. The size depends on the dosage and brand used, but generally it is a square piece of about 1-2 inches. The nicotine patch provides a steady, controlled dose of nicotine throughout the day; the patch strength is reduced over time, helping you wean off of nicotine gradually. The nicotine gum, nicotine inhalers and nicotine lozenges have a similar mechanism of action as the nicotine patch. But as the nicotine gum, nicotine inhalers, nicotine lozenges and the patch contain nicotine – the addictive component in tobacco – a certain risk of re-addiction is involved. However, when used with care, it can be a safe and comfortable way to quit smoking.

Quit smoking aids like Chantix and Zyban available now do not use nicotine as an active ingredient. Bupropion hydrochloride, marketed under the names Zyban, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL by GlaxoSmithKline, is an anti-depressant drug that also works as a smoking cessation aid. It has been shown to reduce physical withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine.

Discovered and developed by Pfizer, varenicline tartrate is marketed by the name of Chantix, which has the unique ability to partially activate nicotinic receptors in the brain, reducing nicotine craving in people who have quit smoking. Additionally, if a person does smoke during the treatment, Chantix impedes any kind of satisfaction gained from smoking by blocking the nicotine receptors.