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Nicotine Replacement Therapy
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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)
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
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
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