February 2007 « Chantix News HomeNew anti-smoking pill holds promise A few months ago a new anti-smoking pill quietly made its way onto pharmacy shelves. Twelve weeks after taking the prescription drug, almost 50 percent of patients have kicked the habit. Chris Marshall can change a woman’s hair color with ease. It’s a different story when it comes to breaking his bad habit. “I’ve tried cold turkey,” he said. “I’ve tried chewing toothpicks, chewing gum and I’ve tried the patch, I’ve tried the gum, the lozenge, I’ve tried hypnosis.” Marshall couldn’t stop his 24-year, pack-a-day smoking habit until he found salvation in a prescription pill. A few days after he started taking Chantix, smoking lost its lure. “It wasn’t doing anything; it didn’t taste good,” Marshall said. “It didn’t feel good; there were no rewards for smoking the cigarette.” Baylor College of Medicine pulmonologist Dr. Nick Hanania said the drug attaches to two receptors in the brain. It blocks the nicotine and thus the addiction. It also helps eliminate the urge to smoke and the reward smokers feel. “This is certainly the best we have that’s approved by the FDA,” Dr. Hanania said. Dr. Hanania is studying the drug in smokers with respiratory illness. He wants to determine if over time their lung function will improve. Cessation specialists said the cost of the medicine is also important too. A daily dose costs less than a pack of cigarettes. Patients can track how much money they’ve saved on the Internet. The Chantix Web site offers support through personal e-mail and keeps track of how many days someone is smoke free. “I am in week 10 now,” Marhsall said. Marshall hasn’t smoked since early December and is convinced this time’s he’s kicked the habit for good. Source: Khou |
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