Some facts are indisputable. Close to 50 million Americans smoke and about half a million die each year from smoking related health complications. These health complications include heart and lung disease, including lung cancer and emphysema. In addition life expectancy in smoker is reduced by at least 8 years in comparison to non smoker. The cost of looking after the health problems is in the billions annually.
With an increased recognition of the health related problems connected to smoking, a major thrust by the pharmaceutical industry over the past 4 decades has been the search for the ultimate drug to cure smoking related addiction.
Numerous drugs have been developed over the years to help stop smoking. This industry has just become as profitable as the manufacturers of tobacco related products because none of the products work. Both the nicotine patch (in variable doses) and bupropion are recommended in treating nicotine dependence, with an additive effect when used in combination. Other medications useful in treating nicotine dependence include nicotine nasal spray inhalers; nicotine gum; herbs, nutritional supplements and non tobacco snuff products containing mint, clover, alfalfa, and flavorings.
The majority of these products contain nicotine in variable doses and may help curb the craving effect after cessation of the tobacco product. The latest drug to have shown some benefit in decreasing tobaccos dependence is bupropion. A few studies do show that it may decrease the nicotine craving; however, there are just as many studies which show no effect. The major cause of failure is relapse after a few months.
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