Which type of nicotine replacement therapy may be right for you?

  There’s no evidence that any type of nicotine replacement therapy is significantly better than any o

There’s no evidence that any type of nicotine replacement therapy is significantly better than any other. When choosing which type of nicotine replacement you will use, think about which method will best fit your lifestyle and pattern of smoking. Do you want/need something to chew or occupy your hands? Or are you looking for once-a-day convenience?

Some important points to consider:

* Nicotine gums, lozenges, and inhalers are oral substitutes that allow you to control your dosage to help keep cravings under better control.

* Nicotine nasal spray works very quickly when you need it.

* Nicotine inhalers allow you to mimic the use of cigarettes by puffing and holding the inhaler.

* Nicotine patches are convenient and only have to be applied once a day.

* Both inhalers and nasal sprays require a doctor’s prescription.

* Some people may not be able to use patches, inhalers, or nasal sprays due to allergies or other conditions.

Combination of the patch and other nicotine replacement products: Using the nicotine patch along with shorter-acting products such as the gum, lozenge, nasal spray, or inhaler is another method of nicotine replacement therapy. The idea is to provide a steady dose of nicotine with the patch and to use one of the shorter-acting products when strong cravings arise.

The few studies that have been done on combination NRT have found that it may be slightly better than a single product, but more research is needed to prove this and to find safe and effective doses. The combined use of nicotine replacement products has not yet been approved by the FDA. If you are considering using more than one nicotine replacement product, be sure to discuss this with your doctor first.

Bupropion (Zyban)

Bupropion (Zyban) is a prescription antidepressant in an extended-release form that reduces symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. It does not contain nicotine. This drug affects chemicals in the brain that are related to nicotine craving. It can be used alone or together with nicotine replacement. The usual dosage is one or two 150 mg tablets per day.

This medication should not be taken if you have a history of seizures, anorexia, heavy alcohol use, or head trauma.

Some doctors may recommend combination drug therapy for heavily addicted smokers, such as using bupropion along with a nicotine replacement patch and/or a short acting from of nicotine replacement (such as gum or lozenges).

Varenicline (Chantix)

Varenicline (Chantix) is a newer medicine developed specifically to help people stop smoking. It works by interfering with nicotine receptors in the brain, which has two effects. It lessens the pleasurable physical effects a person gets from smoking, as well as reducing the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

Several studies have shown varenicline can more than double the chances of quitting smoking. Some studies have also found it may be more effective than bupropion, at least in the short term.

Reported side effects of varenicline have included headaches, nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams, flatulence (gas), and changes in taste.

About the author:


http://www.cancer.org

More health information - More smoking information