Did someone actually quit smoking after using a vape?
Did someone actually quit smoking after using a vape?
Considering to buy one for a family member.
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Check out SmokeFree.gov! It has great free resources that are science based. Quitting smoking is the number thing someone who smokes can do for their health.
The most effective methods to quit smoking include varenicline (aka Chantix), FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapies (gum, patch, lozenge, inhaler, etc), and behavioral therapy. Combining all of these therapies in a clinical trials results in the most people quitting.
No vape is FDA-approved as a cessation therapy, because no company has applied. There have been some small academic run trials, which tend to show a decrease in smoking, but continued nicotine addiction. Probably because vapes have much higher nicotine content than FDA-approved therapies. While vapes expose people to a lot less carcinogens than smoke, there are some carcinogens and nicotine itself is harmful to vascular and mental health. So if the evidence-based methods don't work, completely switching to vaping would be less harmful.
Agreed. There is a lot of new research on vaping. Could potentially cause a number of issues, but probably still better than actual smoking. I've heard the inhalers work sometimes because of the nicotine as well as the physical movements involved.
I've also seen exactly one ad (on YouTube) for some sort of flavour inhaler (no nicotine) if you're having trouble with the physical aspect. Can't say any more about that though, as I haven't looked into it.
What are the serious side effects of varenicline?
While less common, the most serious side effects of varenicline are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Varenicline may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking varenicline and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Breathing problems or wheezing Racing heart Fever or general ill feeling Swollen lymph nodes Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat Trouble swallowing or throat tightness Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives Nausea or vomiting Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting Stomach cramps Joint pain
Seizures. Some people who have taken varenicline have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking varenicline and call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.
Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements Stiffening of your arms and legs Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread Feeling dizzy or lightheaded Falling or losing consciousness
New or Worse Heart or Blood Vessel Problems. Varenicline can cause new or worsening heart or blood vessel problems, including heart attacks and stroke. This risk is mainly in people with existing heart or blood vessel problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any changes in symptoms. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.
Chest pain or pressure Fast or abnormal heartbeat Trouble breathing Pain in your back, jaw, throat, or arm Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness Sudden weakness on one side of your body Sudden and severe headache Slurred speech or trouble understanding speech
Sleepwalking. Varenicline can cause sleepwalking. This may result in harm to yourself or other people or property. Stop taking varenicline and call your healthcare provider if you start sleepwalking.
Serious Skin Reactions. Varenicline can cause severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, stop varenicline and call your healthcare provider right away. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a severe skin reaction.
Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals Red, painful, watery eyesNew or Worse Mental Health Problems. Varenicline may cause new or worse mental health problems. This risk is more common in people who have a history of mental health problems. These symptoms may also happen because of nicotine withdrawal. Stop taking varenicline and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
Changes in mood or behavior Aggression Hostility
Agitation Depressed moodSuicidal Thoughts or Actions. Varenicline may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
New or increased thoughts of suicide or death Suicide attempt New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
Angioedema. Varenicline may cause a rare reaction called angioedema. The usual symptoms of this reaction include swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat. Stop taking the medicine and contact your healthcare provider if you have this type of swelling. If you are having trouble breathing, get medical attention right away.
Those are bullshit. Look at the cessation success rate of those methods, and then look at vape. Vape is almost 70% success rate, and those other methods are like 3%. The tobacco companies own most of those methods. Don't listen to some stupid sponsored study for this, listen to the people who have done it. Vaping is a successful cessation method, and all of the attempts to ban it have been driven by lobbying & dark money from the tobacco companies.
I look at independent randomized controlled trials, not anecdotal evidence. Here's a recent trial from Finland that didn't have industry funding. They compared low-nicotine vaping vs varenicline alone vs placebo. Both varenicline and vaping resulted in about 40% of people quitting at 12 weeks, and 20% of placebo group. So add nicotine replacement therapy and behavioral therapy on top of varenicline and the rates should go higher. Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies sell most of the FDA-approved cessation therapies, and in comparison the big tobacco companies sell vapes.