Health.com - Article Print Page - Nicotine Replacement: Can Patches and Gum Stop You From Lighting Up?

Patches, gums, and lozenges are a few options for nicotine replacement therapy.

(HEALTH.COM)

Mulling over a method to help you quit? Over-the-counter nicotine-replacement products may help you overcome your cravings. There are affordable options available at your local pharmacy, including the patch, gum, and lozenges. Inhalers and nasal sprays are also available by prescription.

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:

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.

What is nicotine replacement therapy?
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 See Full Credits Disclaimer

How can using nicotine replacement therapy help me quit smoking?
When you stop smoking, your body will begin to crave the nicotine it used to get from cigarettes. Some people have severe withdrawal symptoms when they stop using tobacco. You may feel grouchy and on edge. These withdrawal symptoms, and others, can make it very difficult to quit. In fact, many people return to smoking just to get rid of the withdrawal symptoms.

Using nicotine replacement products can ease your withdrawal symptoms. This makes it easier for you to quit smoking and avoid a relapse.

Your Information
The decision about whether to use nicotine replacement therapy to help quit smoking takes into account your personal feelings and the medical facts.

Deciding about nicotine replacement therapy

Reasons to use nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking	Reasons not to use nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking
You smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day. You have withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, insomnia, and grouchy behavior, when you go too long without a cigarette. You have tried to quit in the past without using nicotine replacement therapy and started smoking again. You can get nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches without a prescription. You think a nicotine inhaler might work for you because you still need to hold something in your hand. You like the idea of putting on a patch in the morning and forgetting about it until bedtime. Are there other reasons you might want to use nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking?	You smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes a day You have sensitive skin that may have a reaction to the adhesive in the nicotine patch. You cannot use a nicotine inhaler because you have asthma, allergies, or another breathing problem. You are younger than 18. Are there other reasons you might not want to use nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking?

Reasons to use nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking

Reasons not to use nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking

You smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day.
You have withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches, insomnia, and grouchy behavior, when you go too long without a cigarette.
You have tried to quit in the past without using nicotine replacement therapy and started smoking again.
You can get nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches without a prescription.
You think a nicotine inhaler might work for you because you still need to hold something in your hand.
You like the idea of putting on a patch in the morning and forgetting about it until bedtime.

Are there other reasons you might want to use nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking?

You smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes a day
You have sensitive skin that may have a reaction to the adhesive in the nicotine patch.
You cannot use a nicotine inhaler because you have asthma, allergies, or another breathing problem.
You are younger than 18.

Are there other reasons you might not want to use nicotine replacement therapy to quit smoking?

Last Updated: July 24, 2007 See Full Credits Disclaimer