Can prozac help you quit smoking?

Let’s face it. Quitting smoking is no easy feat, especially if you’ve been a smoker for years. Withdrawal symptoms can be intense and make the quitting process almost unbearable. With so many people struggling to quit smoking, many are turning to medication as an aid in their journey towards becoming smoke-free.

One such medication is Prozac (fluoxetine), which has been typically used to treat depression and anxiety disorders with remarkable success rates. Though originally meant as a treatment option for mental illnesses, could this popular antidepressant serve the purpose of helping smokers quit? Join me as we delve into the topic.

Understanding Prozac

Prozac falls under the category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This type of pharmaceutical helps elevate your serotonin levels in your brain by preventing its absorption by receptors present within. Increased level of Serotonin leads to mood elevation, thereby reducing symptoms associated with depression or anxiety.

There have also been reports suggesting that SSRIs – including prozac – may help curb cravings related behavior such as appetite swings .

How Does Prozac Aid Anti-Smoking Campaigners?

While it’s not yet clear how Prozac aids anti-smoking campaigners who opt for medicinal support while trying to quit cigarettes , experts speculate that the drug increases one’s overall sense of wellbeing , producing similar effects as nicotine does on our brain when consumed via cigarettes . This means that using Fluoxetine might help reduce withdrawal symptoms experienced after giving up nicotine, promoting stress relief and bringing about relaxation within users’

Additionally, SSRI-basd medications tend to trigger healthy Coping mechanisms in affected individuals , making them much better equipped at dealing with any emotional upheavals cropping up during recovery .

Lastly, fluoxetine claims another exciting perk: curbing weight gain often seen^1 amongst people quitting tobacco. As part of withdrawal-related symptoms, those attempting to quit smoking often experience extreme hunger pangs and a strong desire for foods that carry high calorie counts. Since fluoxetine suppresses such cravings^2 , it could aid in controlling one’s diet during the withdrawal phase.

Government Sanctioned Approval

Fluoxetine does not have official approval from government regulatory authorities as a medication that helps individuals quit smoking . However its derivative , bupropion -which works on similar lines– has been acknowledged by United States FDA as an approved medication meant to help tobacco users get rid of their dependency on cigarettes.
That being said, medical studies nonetheless reveal surprisingly positive effects resulting from using Prozac while quitting smoking . Professionals generally recommend Fluoxetine only after exhausting other conventional nicotine replacement therapy options including gum or patches.

What Does Science Say About Fluoxetine Usage For Quitting Smoking?

A study carried out in 2011, analyzed fourteen different published research papers learning about SSRIs usage for treating nicotine addiction support . Out of these trials included in the analysis, an impressive ten revealed statistical evidence indicating prozac’s potential effectiveness as a treatment method against cigarette smoking .

Additionally, another trial examined smokers who’d either had access to fluoxetine , bupropion or placebos over twelve weeks periods. Participants having taken fluoxetine were observed experiencing almost half the amount of withdrawal-based stress , experienced by those taking placebo alternatives.

One more fact: A review done across numerous global trials investigating medications intended to assist with no-tobacco regimens claims that SSRI varieties like Prozac rated success rates comparable amongst controlled groups taking prescriptions containing Varenicline – currently considered one of most widely recommended medicines available alongside nicotine replacemen ttherapy.

Are There Any Side Effects Observed From Taking Prozac During Anti-Smoking Campaigns?

Most commonly reported side-effects related with this pharmaceutical include fatigue,drowsiness and low libido but are generally mild in nature. Though “ Flu-like” symptoms such as headaches, sweating or nausea might also be experienced when starting out with the medication, these however tend to get gradually better over time.

It should be noted that Prozac – like any other medicine – does not suit everyone’s medical needs equally. Anyone taking it regularly for treatment purposes, including quitting smoking , ought supervise their progress and consult their doctor about continuing its usage based on individual circumstances.

In Conclusion

In summary, while Prozac isn’t an FDA-approved medication meant specifically for aiding smoking cessation , it certainly carries promise as a viable treatment option to help smokers kick the habit . Its positive effects though not yet scientifically confirmed beyond doubt ,are definitely worth investigating as part of dealing with dependability related issues listed above.

Many people have reportedly found success using SSRIs along alongside conventional quitting methods such as nicotine replacement therapy systems and so forth, which begs the question: Can medication assist many take control and quit using tobacco? One thing’s certain – prozac is capable of helping users regulate emotional ups-and-downs felt whilst trying to abstain from cigarettes .

Quit-smoking-caused weight gain can also successfully curb via use of fluoxetine; And thus we remain optimistic about its potential effectiveness!

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