What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?
Nicotine Replacement Therapy is an over-the-counter or prescription aid to help replace tobacco products. It may help with the process of quitting and reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Over the Counter:
Nicotine Patch
A patch that releases nicotine into your body. It takes up to three hours to work. Sizes and shapes of patches vary. Patch must be worn all day, changed once every 24 hours. Remove patch before going to sleep.
Possible side effects: Skin irritations, dizziness, racing heartbeat, sleep problems, headache, nausea, and muscle aches.
Nicotine Gum
A gum to be chewed only when having a craving for tobacco, then left in the mouth against the cheek. Gum takes a few minutes to work.
Recommended Dose: For smokers who smoke 24 cigarettes or less, recommend 2mg and if smoke more than 25 a day, recommend 4mg. Possible side effect: Stomachache (due to misuse of product)
Nicotine Lozenge
Essentially a nicotine hard candy. As it dissolves in the mouth, nicotine is released. It is part of a 12-week step program. If used properly, less tobacco is used every week until it is given up completely.
Possible side effects: Sore gums and teeth, indigestion, throat irritation.
Prescription:
Chantix or Zyban
Chantix or Zyban act on the brain in areas affected by smoking in two ways: by providing some of the effects of nicotine to ease withdrawal symptoms and by blocking the effects of nicotine if smoking is resumed. Taken twice daily for 12 weeks.
Possible side effects: nausea, headache, vomiting, gas, insomnia, abnormal dreams, and change in taste
Nicotine Inhaler
This plastic cylinder, puffed on like a cigarette, releases nicotine and should only be used during a craving. The nicotine goes in the mouth, not lungs, and enters the body slower than a cigarette.
Possible side effects: irritation of throat and mouth and coughing
Nasal Spray
Used as you would any nasal spray, nicotine is sprayed into the airway through the nasal passage. Spray is the fastest method of all NRT products to put nicotine into the system. Good for highly dependent chain smokers.
Possible side effect: nose and throat irritation