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Stop Smoking Injection


Almost every smoker has tried to stop smoking at least once in their lifetime. NRT products (smokeless cigarettes*, nicotine gum, nicotine patches), hypnosis and laser treatments are among the many smoking aids available to help you quit cigarettes. If you have tried these old standbys without success, you may be tempted to try a new treatment offered by the company Welplex. Let's take a look at how it works and some of the controversy surrounding this product.


Welplex is program based on the injection of a class of FDA approved drugs known as anticholinergics. Anticholinergic medications block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACH) in the central and peripheral nervous system. The stated mechanism of action of Welplex, as noted by their website, is that ACH is chemically similar to nicotine. This allows the ACH to act as a competitive receptor blocker for nicotine. The theory is that with the nicotine receptors occupied by the ACH, your body will believe it is still receiving nicotine and there will be no nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The question is does this action in fact aid in smoking cessation?


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It should be noted that anticholinergic medications are not approved by the FDA for smoking cessation. Also, there have been no clinical studies to support the astronomical success rates, as high as 80%, claimed by clinics that use the Welplex injection. You should also note that there are 2 other companies offering anticholinergic based injections as a smoking cessation aid. They are Smart and Quit 1-2-3.

To begin treatment, a smoker must complete a medical questionnaire and pass a physical exam that focuses on the patients lung and heart. If no problems are found, the patient may begin their injection schedule.


The injection is composed 2-3 medications adjusted to the smokers cigarette use. The most common drugs found in the injection are scopolamine, atropine,  promethazine and atarax. Side effects can include agitation, drowsiness, hallucinations and unusual behavior. After the injection, the patient is given a counseling session and 2 weeks of oral anticholinergics to aid the withdrawal process. The entire process usually takes about 2-3 hours.

The program costs between $400 and $500 depending on the brand (Smart, Quit 1-2-3 or Welplex) with re-treatment often required.

*(smokeless cigarettes are not approved by the FDA for smoking cessation)


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