Many smokers need assistance to quit smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings. NRT is most effective when it is partnered with behavioural counselling.
The following information on over-the-counter products ca help you decide if NRT is right for you.
| Nicotine Patch |
- Easiest to use
- Good for heavier smokers who need constant nicotine
- Can take up to three hours to take effect
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should remove at night
| Possible Adverse Effects - Maycause insomnia(if so, remove patch at night and reapply in the morning)
- Skin rash (make sure to rotatelocation daily)
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| Nicotine Gum |
- Good for occasional smokers who want to manage cravings
- Can be used with the patch when needed
- Not like normal gum - you must use the correct bite, park method described in the instructions
- Nicotine is slowly released into the mouth and reaches your brain faster than with the patch
- Can be used to reduce-to-quit, substituting gum for cigarettes
- One piece per hour is common fora pack-a-day smoker
- Maximum dose is 20 gum/day
- Avoid coffee, tea, soft drinks or citrus juices while chewing the gum as they can reduce nicotine absorption
| Possible Adverse Effects - Can cause jaw pain
- Stomach discomfort, heartburn, nausea,hiccups, oral discomfort
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| Nicotine Lozenge |
- Can be used with the patch when needed
- Good if you have dentures or missing teeth
- May be a good choice for those who don't need a steady dosage of nicotine all the time but need support to manage cravings
- In the form of hard candy which releases nicotine as it dissolves in the mouth
- Do not bite, swallow or chew the lozange
- Maximum dose is 15 lozenges/day
- Do not eat or drink 15 minutes before using the lozenge or while it is in your mouth
- Contains phenylalanine - advise your doctor if you have phenylketonuria.
| Possible Adverse Effects - Some lozenge users experience soreness in the gums and teeth, irritated throats, hiccups nd heartburn/indigestion
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| Nicotine Inhaler |
- A plastic cigarette shaped cartridge which contains nicotine
- Delivers a steady dose of nicotine in the body to reduce nicotine cravings
- Fastest way to deliver nicotine
- Mimics cigarette smoking
- One cartridge can replace four cigarettes
- Avoid coffee, tea, soft drinks and citrus juices while using the inhaler as they reduce nicotine absorption
| Possible Adverse Effects - Irritation of the mouth lining, runny nose, upset stomach
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