Quitting the Habit

An individual’s desire to quit smoking is often insufficient to overcome the addiction of nicotine. Cigarettes contain this substance which evokes a pleasurable sensation in smokers and a craving when they are stressed. This craving makes it difficult for many people to stop smoking. Although various forms of nicotine replacement options such as nicotine gum and patches remain popular, they are often ineffective. Many people require a more effective way to quit smoking.

Using Prozac to Quit Smoking

Anti-depressants may be used to quit smoking. Significant research has been conducted on individuals who attempt to quit smoking by using Manerix, Lustral, Efexor, Seroxat and Prozac. However, these substances have been proven ineffective. The only FDA-approved anti-depressant for people who want to quit smoking is bupropion or brand name Zyban. Nortriptyline is also used to help people quit smoking, even though studies have proven the drug to be as ineffective as a placebo.

Possible Side Effects

The majority of individuals who attempt to quit smoking by taking Prozac start again because of their withdrawal cravings. Even worse, thirty percent of individuals who attempted to quit smoking by using Prozac end up suffering from depression. Anti-depressants fail to stop nicotine cravings and they affect a smoker’s mental health and appetite. Mood swings and nausea are common side effects, and certain individuals even become suicidal. That’s why the FDA recommends that doctors closely monitor anyone who is taking anti-depressants to ensure their depression does not worsen. The tendency to self-inflict harm is greater during the initial months of treatment or when the dosage is altered.
Given the serious side effects that anti-depressants can cause, you should consider taking them only as a last resort if you wish to quit smoking. It is safer to try other nicotine replacement options such as nicotine gum or nicotine patches. Remember that it takes time to quit smoking.