When it comes to quitting smoking, not all drugs are created equal. This is the conclusion of a new study conducted jointly by researchers from the City College of New York, Yale University and Yeshiva University (in the United States). According to the researchers, women should instead turn to the Champix to say definitely “goodbye” to cigarettes …
To come to this conclusion, the scientists worked on the results of 28 clinical studies, conducted on a total of 14,000 participants – adults and adolescents, all smokers. The researchers were particularly interested in 3 substances: nicotine patches, varenicline and bupropion hydrochloride.
The nicotine patch, ex-smokers know it well: it is a small self-adhesive device that slowly diffuses nicotine through the skin. Quite effective, it reduces or avoids the symptoms associated with stopping smoking: irritability, stress, weight gain… Bupropion hydrochloride is marketed in Europe under the name Zyban. Originally, this drug (which “cuts” the urge to smoke by reducing the annoyance of quitting) was an antidepressant.
Champix, monitored by ANSM
Finally, varenicline is a molecule which acts on two tables: on the one hand, it decreases the withdrawal symptoms by “replacing” nicotine, on the other, it reduces the pleasure of smoking by reducing the sensitivity of the nervous system to nicotine. And it is marketed under the name Champix *.
The researchers discovered that, on the side of men, the three substances are equal. On the other hand, on the women’s side, Champix seems to be more effective than the nicotine patch or Zyban – although these remain superior to placebos.
Please note: in 2011, Champix was still one of the 59 drugs monitored by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM). This medication is also not recommended for people who suffer from cardiovascular disorders. Before getting started, do not hesitate to seek the advice of your doctor!
These works were published in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
* Source: Stop-tabac.ch
