Combination of Treatments Offers Hope for Smoking Cessation

According to Thomas L. Petty, MD, Chairman of the National Lung Health Education Program (NLHEP), for many individuals with COPD the most important factor in controlling early symptoms of this disease is the cessation of smoking, but it is also one of the most difficult to achieve. In order to help with the withdrawal symptoms and help with dealing with the cravings, many products have been marketed both over-the-counter and by prescription only.

Most of us who smoke - and statistics show that a vast majority of COPD patients are smokers - have tried various medications, patches, gums, and other treatments. I know in my own case that I have tried the over-the-counter gum products and currently my physician has prescribed Wellbutrin SR to help me "kick the habit." For those who are not aware, Wellbutrin SR is an anti-anxiety medication, but chemically the same as the anti-smoking medication, Zyban. Why did he prescribe the anxiety medication instead of the smoking medication? It's simple, and something any COPD patient should know. Health insurance pays for Wellbutrin SR. . . It does not pay for Zyban. This makes a huge difference when a month's worth of medication costs nearly $100.00. For those of you who use Zyban and bear the expense yourselves, it is worth it to talk to your physician and see if a prescription for Wellbutrin SR might be possible for you. It certainly could make a big difference in your monthly budget, with the same health results.

Unfortunately, the medication still has not worked to the point that I have stopped smoking, but at least I have reduced the number of cigarettes I smoke each day. I'm certain that others have had the same experience. No matter what they do, they can't seem to stop. In my case, I actually did stop for almost 5 years, but then a little thing called Desert Storm took place and, since I am in the reserves, I had enough anxiety and tension that I reverted to my old habit. Now I'm fighting the battle again, and the medication isn't doing enough.

Now, according to researchers, a new treatment plan has shown promise. Instead of using only one treatment to stop the urge to smoke, it appears that a combination of treatments offers the greatest promise. Along with the Wellbutrin SR (Zyban), it now appears that supplementation with a nicotine replacement such as one of the nicotine patches or gum has a much better chance of success.

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