Attitude stubs out addiction

GETTING into the correct mindset is the first step to throwing away the cigarette stub for good, says Klinicare pharmacist Bianca Harper, who believes making a conscious decision to quit the habit is crucial.

"I have seen patients coming into the pharmacy for advice, [anti-smoking] gums, patches and tablets just to have them say they are back to smoking again after a couple of weeks or months. Therefore, the mindset of the patient is the first line of treatment. It is not easy to quit smoking, but there are smoking-cessation aids available to help stop the cravings.”

Harper, well-known in Nelson Mandela Bay for her public talks when she was The Herald Spec-Savers Miss Port Elizabeth 2010, said there was little difference in the efficacy of the aids available on the market.

"The lozenges work by releasing controlled amounts of nicotine at a slow rate. The effect is somewhat similar to the anti-smoking gum [which also has] a nicotine taste to it, and keeps your mouth preoccupied.

"Inhalers are similar to electronic cigarettes because they provide some degree of comfort by giving a hand-to-mouth ritual that is similar to smoking,” she said.

Harper recommended Champix and Zyban (an antidepressant) to help patients stop smoking.

"Both are schedule five medication and will require a prescription

"There is speculation about Champix. I have seen patients on it who’ve had excellent results, but obviously working with their health care providers,” she said.

"Champix’s active ingredient is varenicline. It works by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain. Its indication says it is an aid to smoking cessation in patients committed to stop smoking, in addition to a behaviour modification programme for 12 weeks.”

Though Harper recommends Champix, a warning on the product’s package says the medication could cause "serious neuropsychiatric events, including: depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviour, agitation and hostility were documented. Therefore, the patient on this treatment should monitor their moods and alert their doctor immediately”.

"Zyban is [recommended in conjunction with counselling]. Something interesting about Zyban is that smokers who [were] on anti-depression bupropion hydrochloride reported that they had lesser cravings to smoke. [It’s been found to be] effective in treating smoking cessation,” said Harper.