Dear NP

Dear NP,

I have been a smoker for over 20 years. I talked to my doctor, and he wants me to take Chantix. What is the safest way to stop? What are the side effects of the different “stop-smoking” medications such as the patch and Chantix? Are there any other alternatives besides drugs?

Dear Reader,

Congratulations on taking steps to stop smoking. It’s not a simple thing to do.

Tobacco cravings and the urge to smoke can be challenging to overcome. Quitting smoking reduces your heart disease, cancer and lung disease risks.

There are currently several methods to quit smoking. The medica...