Comparisons

Nicotine Replacement Products

As with all medicines, nicotine products may cause side-effects. Common side effects with all products are: headache, nausea and dizziness.

In addition patches can cause skin rashes and irritation and the nasal spray can cause sneezing, sore throat, runny nose and eyes.

Nicotine from lozenges, gums and inhalers may irritate the mouth and throat and cause dryness.

These products can also increase the production of saliva at the start of treatment, and excessive swallowing of nicotine in this saliva can cause hiccups.

Can you become dependent on NRT?

Because nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco, there is a risk you may become dependent on the nicotine replacement products.

Costs are about $330 for the recommended three month duration.

Zyban

Bupropion is a prescription-only medicine that was originally intended as an antidepressant.

Side-effects of Zyban

Common side-effects include fever, nausea, agitation, anxiety, dry mouth, headache, skin rashes and constipation. It can also intensify the sleep problems that many people encounter when they stop smoking.

The most serious side-effects are convulsive fits, which affect approximately 1 person in 1000.

Zyban should not be used by people with epilepsy, liver problems or with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia.

Average cost of a Zyban prescription is $210.00 for the recommended dosage and duration of use.

Champix

Champix is a prescription-only medicine. Launched in December 2006, the tablets contain the active ingredient varenicline. Take for 12 weeks and up at an approximate cost of $600.00 per 12 week program.

Pros and Cons

Like Zyban, Champix is an alternative to NRT and doesn't contain nicotine.

Some people found that after they stopped taking Champix:

o the urge to smoke returned

o they felt irritable

o they felt depressed

o they had sleeping difficulties.

o If you have successfully managed to stop smoking at the end of 12 weeks, your doctor may offer you a further 12-week course of treatment. This has been shown to slightly increase the chance of remaining smoke-free after one year. Another $600.00.
Side-effects of Champix

o Nausea is the most common side-effect, usually in the first few weeks of treatment. It should improve as you continue to take the tablets.

o Other common side-effects include headache, difficulty sleeping, abnormal dreams, increased appetite, taste changes, dry mouth, drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, and gut disturbances such as constipation, diarrhoea or indigestion.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis can cost upwards of $175 per session and cost an additional $100 for a followup.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy treatments average $200-$300.