HERE'S YOUR SHOT TO QUIT SMOKING
Since smoking is one of the hardest habits to kick, there is a dire need for inventing successful methods. One of the most powerful and successful methods of cessation is said to be the quit smoking shot. Ultimately, the shot acts to block your nicotine receptors—thus canceling out the desire to smoke. The shots are comprised of the medications scopotamine and atropine. These two drugs are part of the class of drugs called anticholinergies. These same drugs are general used in treatment of gastrointestinal problems, motion sickness, and Parkenson’s disease. Doctor’s actually use them (unapproved) for drugs to cease smoking.
Initially, the quit smoking shot is administered in three separate injections. The first shot is injected into the arm and then the next two shots are given behind the ears—ouch! The behind the ear shots are to kill the receptors in your brain that addict you to nicotine and these shots can be quite painful. Many people can barely tolerate any kind of shot. Although the quit smoking shots have a nearly 80% success rate, they are not popular.
Now, there are many disadvantages to these shots. This option addresses the physical aspect of smoking by hindering the brain from recognizing nicotine—good deal! However, the psychological desire to smoke is pushed aside and ignored. Another disadvantage is the fact that the injection contains these drugs that are not approved for the purpose of “kicking the habit” of smoking. This, understandably, causes people to be hesitant or leery about using this method. Also, most people do not realize that the initial three shots are not the last of it. A person must, for a couple of weeks following the injections, take atropine pills and place a patch administering scopolamine behind the ear. There are also counseling and behavior sessions to attend that go along with the quit smoking shot method. This innovative way of quitting cigarettes can cost quite a bit of money—almost $500. If you are insured it may or may not pay partially for your treatment—maybe if it shown to be a life threatening situation that requires immediate or drastic treatment measures.
Some experts contend that the effect that the shot is supposed to have on the brain receptors could only be possible with dangerously high dosages of the drugs.
Keeping right in step with the disadvantages, the success rates are indeed reported to be high, but these are those clinical studies that claim that the success rate only applies in the first couple of months after treatment.
There are some temporary side effects including dizziness, difficulty with urination, dry mouth, blurry vision, and confusion. An overdose of this drug category can lead to more serious complications, such as stroke, hallucinations, heart attack, and possible coma. You should to opt to take the quit smoking shot if you are pregnant, if you have prostate problems, heart rhythm problems, or drugs that alter mood or behavior. It is probably best to use other methods to stop smoking first, then, if all else fails, maybe chance to try this rather drastic measure.
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