With the advancement of science and technology, several methods have been developed to stop smoking. Of course, the most popular of these methods still remain the oral medicines, as these are quite easy to consume and most of them show good effects in curbing the habit. But not all of them can be branded as safe. Before taking any stop smoking medication, it is important that you know their pros and cons fully well.

Among such medications the most popular ones in use today are Bupropion, Varenicline and Nicvax this is apart from the range of herbal remedies . Lets get to know more about these.

Nicvax is a vaccination from nicotine itself. This is injected into the smoker's bloodstream when the person smokes. The molecules of Nicvax gets mixed with those of the nicotine and becomes heavier. Heavy molecules cannot enter the brain. Hence because of this the problem of effects of nicotine addiction is not felt, especially as they do not gain entry into the central nervous system. A lot of health professionals feel that this is probably the best medication to help stop smoking. This is because the medicine combats the addictive properties and once the person is rid of the addiction he/she will never need to get back to cigarettes and smoking.

Nevertheless many feel that NicVAX would not be that effective in those who are heavy smokers. The chances are that these people take in more cigarettes because they do not get the punch as before are high, if NicVAX is injected in them. Therefore the addiction might increase instead of getting decreased. Various tests are being conducted and as of now only positive results have been seen.

Varenicline - Varenicline is the very popular prescription drug known as Chantix in the US and Champix in Europe. This drug, manufactured by Pfizer, is actually the first nicotinic receptor agonist, which works in two ways. First, it curbs the smoker's craving to take another smoke. And second, it helps in curing the harm that nicotine has already caused in the body. Varenicline can reduce the effects that a person feels for smoking, and that is the reason why it is effective as a stop smoking medication.

Nevertheless, Varenicline has some unpleasant side effects on the body. Headaches, vomiting and nausea may occur. A few may discover that their sensation has changed taste when using Varenicline.

Buproprion is sold under the brand name Welbutrin. The main reason why it is able to help stop smoking is because it has properties that are antidepressant in nature. Because of this it is highly helpful for the person wanting to give up smoking. Especially it becomes very easy if the depression problem is kept out of the way and the person can quit smoking without hindrances.

An overuse of buproprion can cause eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia. There is also evidence that its overintake can cause epilepsy in the long run. People with cirrhosis, kidney ailments and high blood pressure are not prescribed the drug.

Herbal Remedies - Herbal remedies for smoking cessation have been singularly used since centuries, but it is only lately that they are being sold as formulations. SmokeRX is a good example of the herbal remedy brands available today. As their name suggests, herbal remedies contain only of herbs. They are also quite fast-acting. SmokeRX begins showing effects in as less as a week.

Thus, all the medications that are available have their own pros and cons. This is why many smokers choose the alternative medicines to quit smoking instead of following the medications.