Nicotine withdrawal can start just a few hours after the last cigarette and most would-be quitters have two or three relapses before finally succeeding. learn more about popular products, new drugs and anticipated new ways to help you quit smoking.

 

            Chantix

 

The newest anti-smoking drug to be approved by the Food & Drug Administration, Pfizer's twice-a-day prescription tablets (varenicline) are designed to block receptors in the brain that are the main culprits of nicotine addiction. The drug eases withdrawal symptoms and reduces the pleasurable effects of nicotine if someone smokes cigarettes while taking it. According to clinical trials, Chantix has a success rate of about 23 percent after one year. The approved course of the drug is 12 weeks, although patients can take it longer to increase the success rate. Side effects include nausea, headache, vomiting, flatulence (gas), insomnia, abnormal dreams, and dysgeusia (change in taste perception).

 

 

            Zyban

 

 

The popular nicotine-free prescription medication Zyban(bupropion hydrochloride) contains the same active ingredient as the antidepressant Wellbutrin. Zyban works on two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are associated with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Most people take it for about seven to 12 weeks. Marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, Zyban has a success rate of about 14 percent to 16 percent after a year. The most common side effects experienced with Zyban include dry mouth, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, anxiety and insomnia.

 

 

Accomplia

 

The popular nicotine-free prescription medication Zyban(bupropion hydrochloride) contains the same active ingredient as the antidepressant Wellbutrin. Zyban works on two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are associated with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Most people take it for about seven to 12 weeks. Marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, Zyban has a success rate of about 14 percent to 16 percent after a year. The most common side effects experienced with Zyban include dry mouth, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, anxiety and insomnia.

 

 

            NicVax vaccine

 

 

An experimental vaccine, NicVax, is being tested by Nabi Biopharmaceuticals. NicVax would treat nicotine addiction and prevent relapse. The vaccine is designed to prevent nicotine from entering the brain where it would trigger the release of dopamine, a stimulant that contributes to the "rush" that makes nicotine so addictive. Trial results are expected in mid-2007.

 

 

            Nicotine substitutes

 

 

Over-the-counter nicotine transdermal patches and other substitutes such as nicotine gum can help smokers quit, but don't relieve the intense cravings. That's why they are considered most effective when used with other behavior modification programs. Patches and gum work by providing a steady dose of nicotine throughout Parents' cigarette smoke harms kids for years

Effects of exposure during pregnancy can last up to age 12, study finds