Patches, gums, and lozenges are a few options for nicotine replacement therapy.
(HEALTH.COM)
Because these products are already delivering nicotine to your body, smoking a cigarette may leave you feeling nauseated. And depending on which product you choose, you may not be able to adjust the amount of nicotine your body's getting—so when a craving strikes, it may leave you wanting to light up.
Many smokers trying to quit use nicotine-replacement products along with either counseling, prescription medication, or alternative therapies. "I think a combination of support from my boyfriend, hypnosis, and nicotine gum really helped me," says Jennifer Morton, 28, of Atlanta, Ga., who smoked for 10 years. "Now I’m at the point where I know I will never be a smoker again."
Use the information below to determine whether nicotine replacement might be right for you.
Key points in making your decision
In the past, the only way to quit smoking was "cold turkey." Today, you have the option of using nicotine replacement products that can make the process easier. This information also applies if you use spit tobacco products, such as chew or snuff, or if you smoke cigars or pipes. Consider the following when making your decision:
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings by supplying your body with nicotine. It contains about one-third to one-half the amount of nicotine found in most cigarettes.
There are many forms of nicotine replacement products to choose from:
In the past, the only way to quit smoking was "cold turkey." Today, you have the option of using nicotine replacement products that can make the process easier. This information also applies if you use spit tobacco products, such as chew or snuff, or if you smoke cigars or pipes. Consider the following when making your decision:
- Studies show that using nicotine replacement products to quit smoking can double your chance of success.
- The reason many people go back to smoking is because of nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine replacement products help relieve these symptoms.
- Some people who use nicotine patches develop itching and redness on their skin where they applied the patch.
- Some insurance companies will pay for all or part of the cost of nicotine replacement products used to quit smoking.
- If you smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes a day, you may not need these medicines.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings by supplying your body with nicotine. It contains about one-third to one-half the amount of nicotine found in most cigarettes.
There are many forms of nicotine replacement products to choose from:
- Nicotine gum and lozenges release nicotine slowly into the mouth.
- Nicotine patches stick to your skin and slowly release nicotine through your skin into your bloodstream.
- The nicotine inhaler has a holder that contains nicotine. It delivers a puff of nicotine vapor into your mouth and throat.
Last Updated: July 24, 2007 
