What is nicotine replacement therapy (nrt)?

  What are the different types of NRT available?

What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a method of giving your body nicotine without the harmful effects of smoking or chewing tobacco. The basic idea is to gradually reduce the body’s addiction by using a low nicotine dose to take the edge off the cravings and have a “soft landing”.

NRT is therefore an effective way of helping you manage your withdrawal symptoms. In fact, research shows that using NRT doubles your chances of successfully stopping smoking.

What are the different types of NRT available?

NRT is available in many forms, allowing you to choose the method which best suits you.

Patches: Discreet and easy to use, patches work by releasing a steady dose of nicotine into the blood stream, via the skin. Some patches are intended to be worn during the day only and other ’24-hour’ patches are designed for 24-hour use in order to help stave off early morning cravings.

Gum: Gum allows you to control your nicotine dose. Learning to chew the gum properly is important. The idea is to chew gently until you get the flavour and then ’park’ the gum in your cheek so that nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

Nasal spray: This is the strongest form of NRT and is a small bottle of nicotine solution, which is sprayed directly into the nose. Absorbed faster than any other kind of NRT, this can help heavier smokers, especially where other forms of NRT have failed.

Microtab: The microtab is a small white tablet that you put underneath your tongue and leave. It works by being absorbed into the lining of the mouth.

Lozenge: Is like a sweet that you suck slowly. It gives you nicotine in a similar way to the microtab.

Inhalator: A plastic device shaped like a cigarette with a nicotine cartridge fitted into it. Sucking on the mouthpiece releases nicotine vapour, which gets absorbed through your mouth and throat. Inhalators are useful for people who miss the hand-to-mouth action of smoking.

Your local NHS Stop Smoking Service can advise which products are most suitable for you. You can also ask your GP, nurse or pharmacist. If you are in any doubt as to whether it is safe for you to use a particular product or method, check first with your doctor.

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