Congratulations on Your Decision to Quit Smoking NRT Can Help You Succeed!
Congratulations! You made the decision to quit smoking. Read on to find out how nicotine replacement therapy can help you take the next step.
As you already know, the nicotine in cigarettes leads to actual, physical addiction. Withdrawal symptoms are real and unpleasant. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) delivers the nicotine you crave without the harmful chemicals in tobacco. NRT relieves the physical symptoms of withdrawal, so you can deal with psychological aspects, like changing long time habits.
Because withdrawal symptoms often lead to failed attempts, using NRT can help you quit and stay that way. Combining NRT with a smoking cessation program designed to address the psychological impacts of withdrawal can double your chances for success.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 5 types of nicotine replacement therapy. Read on to learn more about your options. Then call the AK Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-Quit-Now) to talk to a specially trained Quit Coach. Also talk with your health care provider to decide which option is best for you. Both can also refer you to smoking cessation programs available locally or by phone.
The patch: Available in several different doses, nicotine patches deliver a measured dose of nicotine through your skin. Transitioning to lower dose patches allows you to gradually wean yourself over a period of weeks. Patches are available without a prescription. Free patches are also available through the Alaska Tobacco Quit Line.
Patches are most commonly used once a day for a period of 24 hours. Nicotine delivery throughout the night reduces early morning cravings but can disrupt sleep patterns. Other side effects may include skin irritation, racing heartbeat, headache, nausea, muscle aches and stiffness. Sleep problems are usually short term and disappear within several days. Switching to a 16 hour patch, a different brand or a lower dose patch can also relieve side effects.
Nicotine gum: Fast-acting nicotine gum delivers nicotine through the mucous membrane of your mouth. Like patches, nicotine gum is available over-the-counter, and comes in several doses.
Unlike regular gum, nicotine gum is alternately chewed slowly, then parked inside your cheek over about 30 minutes. Acidic foods and drinks coffee, juice and soda should be avoided for at least 15 minutes before and during use.
Your actual tobacco use determines how much gum you chew. In general, chew no more than 20 pieces per day, for no longer than 6 months. Taper the dose and amount of gum to wean yourself.
Nicotine gum allows you to control your nicotine dose and respond directly to cravings as they occur. Potential side effects include bad taste, throat irritation, mouth sores, hiccups, nausea, jaw discomfort and racing heartbeat.
Nicotine nasal spray: Available only by prescription, nasal spray delivers nicotine to the bloodstream as its absorbed through the nose. Fast acting and easy to use, nasal spray lets you control cravings as they occur. The FDA recommends the spray be prescribed for 3-month periods, with total use no longer than 6 months.
The most common side effects last from 1 to 2 weeks and can include nasal irritation, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, throat irritation and coughing. If you have asthma, allergies or sinus problems, nasal spray may not be for you.
Nicotine inhalers: Also available only by prescription, a nicotine inhaler is a thin plastic tube with a nicotine cartridge inside. Puffing on the inhaler delivers nicotine vapor to your mouth. Nicotine inhalers mimic smoking a cigarette and are most like the real thing.
The recommended dose is between 6 and 16 cartridges a day, for up to 6 months. Side effects are most common when first starting the inhaler, and can include coughing, throat irritation and upset stomach.
Nicotine lozenges: Nicotine lozenges are the newest form of over-the-counter NRT. Available in different doses, your choice depends on how long after waking you normally have your first cigarette.
Sucking on the lozenge until it dissolves, usually over 20 to 30 minutes, delivers nicotine through mouth tissue. Avoid food and drinks for 15 minutes before use. Manufacturers recommend a 12-week program, beginning with 1 lozenge every 1 to 2 hours for 6 weeks. Gradual tapering allows you to wean yourself by week 12, when all use should be stopped. No more than 5 lozenges should be used in 6 hours, with no more than 20 lozenges total per day.
Do not use the lozenge if you keep smoking, chewing tobacco, using snuff, or use any other product containing nicotine, including other forms of NRT. Possible side effects include trouble sleeping, nausea, hiccups, coughing, heartburn, headache and gas.
Which type of nicotine replacement may be right for you?
There is no evidence suggesting one type of NRT is better or more effective than another. Your lifestyle and pattern of tobacco use will determine which is best for you. When making your choice, consider the following:
* Nicotine gums, lozenges, inhalers and nasal spray allow you to control your dose of nicotine, and deal with cravings as they come.
* Nicotine gums and lozenges are generally sugar-free, but if you are diabetic and have any doubts, check with the manufacturer.
* Nicotine inhalers are most like smoking an actual cigarette.
* Nicotine inhalers and nasal sprays require a doctors prescription.
* Nicotine patches are available over-the-counter, convenient and applied only once a day.
Cost is another important consideration. The AK Tobacco Quit Line offers 8 weeks of free NRT patches, along with smoking cessation counseling that can double your chance for success.
Whichever NRT you choose, take it as directed, for as long as directed. Talk with your health care provider or call the AK Tobacco Quit Line. Combining NRT with a smoking cessation program can double your chance for long term success. Quitting smoking is hard but it possible, and its definitely worth it.
Remember, if you dont smoke, dont start. If you do, quit. But in the meantime, thank you for smoking OUTSIDE! For more information, contact SeaViews Tobacco Prevention Coordinator at SeaView Community Services, (907) 224-5257 or prevention@seaviewseward.org
Contact the Alaska Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-Quit-Now or TTY 1-877-777-6534.
Information for this article taken from the American Cancer Societys Guide to Quitting Smoking, available online at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_13X_Guide_for_Quitting_Smoking.asp.
