Category: Smoking cessation

In 2022, while over half of adult smokers in the U.S. attempted to quit, less than 10% succeeded [1.6.2]. A promising new medication may soon offer help. So, what is the new no smoking pill? It's a plant-based drug called cytisinicline [1.2.2].

Headaches are a common side effect associated with the transdermal nicotine route, with sources like the Mayo Clinic and CDC listing headaches among potential adverse effects. Understanding why **can nicotine patches cause headaches?** and how to manage them is crucial for a successful quit attempt.

Worldwide, tobacco use causes more than 7 million deaths per year [1.2.2]. Counteracting its influence is crucial for health. This guide explores how to counteract the effects of nicotine through medical, behavioral, and lifestyle interventions. [1.4.1, 1.6.2]

Nearly half (48%) of young nicotine users aged 18-24 are making quitting a priority [1.9.2]. For those wondering **what counteracts smoking**, a combination of pharmacological aids, behavioral therapies, and lifestyle adjustments offers the most effective path to quitting and reversing its damage [1.2.2].

In 2021, manufacturer Pfizer voluntarily recalled all lots of the brand-name medication Chantix (varenicline), leaving many to question, “Do they still prescribe Chantix for smoking?”. While the brand-name product was permanently discontinued, generic versions of varenicline are still widely prescribed and considered safe and effective by regulatory bodies.

Following its recall in 2021 due to unacceptable levels of nitrosamine impurities, the brand-name drug Chantix was permanently discontinued by Pfizer. Fortunately, several effective treatments, including generic versions of the active ingredient, are available as a replacement drug for Chantix.

A 2011 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that for every 24 subjects treated with varenicline for over six weeks, one event of constipation could be expected. This confirms that while not the most common adverse event, **varenicline does cause constipation** in some patients, a potential concern for those undergoing smoking cessation. This article explores the link between the medication and bowel function, offers practical management strategies, and distinguishes it from constipation due to nicotine withdrawal.

In the United States, more than 34 million adults continue to smoke cigarettes [1.4.6]. For those looking to quit, a common question is: can you use nicotine patches while taking Wellbutrin? This combination is often recommended by healthcare providers [1.3.5].

While a cigarette delivers a high dose of nicotine to the brain in seconds, the nicotine patch provides a much slower, more sustained release. The gradual nature of nicotine patches means that it typically takes a couple of hours to feel the initial effects after application.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nicotine patches are an effective tool for smoking cessation, but like all medications, they can cause side effects. Understanding what are the most common side effects of nicotine patches is crucial for a successful and comfortable quit experience.