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| Written by littlebopeep1 | |
| 24 August 2008 | |
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It is very difficult to quit smoking cigarettes because they are psychologically and physically addictive, but it can be done. Withdrawals symptoms are caused by withdrawal from nicotine and include depression, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, poor concentration, and weight gain. Some patients gain 10-20 pounds after they stop smoking. An antidepressant (buproprion, Wellbutrin) may help reduce withdrawal symptoms and can be used alone or with nicotine replacement therapy. There are numerous nicotine replacement systems that help smokers withdraw from nicotine, including nicotine gum, patches, inhalers,and nasal sprays. Nicotine gum was the first nicotine replacement therapy available. Each piece of gum contains 2 mg of nicotine. It is chewed slowly when symptoms of withdrawal are experienced. The magor disadavantages of nicotine gum are that it takes training to use properly and the peak nicotine blood levels only approximate 40% of what one would obtain by smoking a cigarette. The gum decreases, but does not eliminate, physical withdrawal symptoms. Written by maryanne August 24, 2008 |
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