What is nicotine replacement therapy?
Nicotine replacement therapy, often shortened to NRT, describes a range of medicines (chewing gum, skin patch, nasal spray, inhalator, tablet and lozenge) that deliver a controlled dose of nicotine. They are used to help people quit smoking.
How does NRT work?
One of the main reasons why quitting smoking is difficult is because your body has become dependant on a chemical in tobacco called nicotine. When you stop smoking you may feel irritable and agitated because your body expects nicotine. NRT delivers a controlled dose of nicotine, without the other 4000 chemicals present in tobacco, to reduce the urge to smoke that you use will help your body to become less dependant on nicotine until eventually you no longer need it.
Is NRT right for me?
Nicotine containing medicines are just some of a number if aids to stopping smoking. There is no way of knowing which of these aids, if any, will help you. Take time to find out about the different options available and whether they are suitable for you. Information is available from your doctor, your pharmacy and Quitline.
Who should not use NRT?
NRT is not generally recommended for specific groups of people including pregnant and breastfeeding mothers or people with severe heart disease. But it has been used safely in these circumstances under close supervision.
What types of NRT are available?
NRT comes in six forms - chewing gum, skin patch, nasal spray, inhalator, sublingual tablet (to be placed under the tongue) and lozenge. The patches and gum are available in different strengths. The skin patch delivers a constant low dose of nicotine to the body throughout the day. Some patches may be left on for 16 hours, others 24 hours. The other forms of NRT deliver doses only when they are used allowing you to get a dose if nicotine at those trigger times when you would normally smoke a cigarette.
Which type of NRT is best?
No one type of NRT is more effective than another. It all depends on you and the way that you smoke. Heavy smokers may find a skin patch is most helpful whilst less frequent smokers may prefer occasional doses of nicotine using gum, nasal spray, inhalator, lozenge or sublingual tablet. Your doctor or pharmacist or a Quitline advisor will be able to help you decide which product is most suitable for you.
Can I use more than one type of NRT at the same time?
In some heavy smokers tests have suggested using patches together with gum, lozenge or inhalator may improve your chance of quitting. If you think one product alone is not working discuss use of combination therapy with Quitline your doctor or pharmacist.
Does NRT interfere with other medicine that I am taking?
Nicotine containing medicines do not appear to interfere with other medicine but speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about using NRT with your current medication.
Can I smoke whilst using NRT?
You should not smoke whilst using NRT. Smoking whilst using a nicotine containing medicine will increase the amount of nicotine delivered to your body and make you feel sick, dizzy or light-headed. It may increase your blood pressure or cause chest pains.
Does NRT have any side effects?
Nicotine containing medicines, like any medicine, can cause side effects. Feeling sick, dizziness and stomach upsets are commonly described by people using NRT but some of these can be caused by stopping smoking. Using products late in the evening may disturb your sleep or cause nightmares. Other side effects may be specific to the type of product used - nasal spray may irritate the nose, cause nose bleeds or watering eyes; chewing gum may cause ulcers or sore throats; inhalator can cause cough, sore mouth dry mouth or sinusitis; sublingual tablets may cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Skin irritation with patches may be specific to one brand although all tend to cause an itchy feeling for a few minutes after application. Exercise will warm up the skin and increase the amount of nicotine released from skin patches so increasing the risk of side effects. Unless your symptoms are severe or causing concern try to continue taking the medicine as many people fond that mild symptoms improve or disappear within a few days. Always speak to your doctor or pharmacists if you are worried about any new symptoms.
Can I get addicted NRT?
Nicotine is an addictive drug - that is the main reason why people continue to smoke despite knowing the risk to their health. But addiction to NRT is rare as it I used in a controlled way with reducing doses. Inappropriate, long term use of nicotine gum has led to addiction problems.
How long should I use NRT for?
The length of time that NRT may be used depends on the product chosen but, in general, you should aim to use It for a maximum of 3 months during which time you should reduce the dose of nicotine used. Using NRT beyond this time suggests other problems with giving up the smoking habit that need to be addressed.
How can I get NRT?
NRT is not available on a States prescription but can be prescribed privately by your doctor or brought from a pharmacy. Up to 8 weeks NRT is available free of charge from Quitline.
Can I use NRT in the future if I start smoking again?
There is no reason why you cannot but every time you want to quit smoking, providing that it is suited to you. But every time you star smoking you should think about why you lapsed and what you can o to avoid problems with future attempts.
Where do I put the patches?
Skin patches containing nicotine should be used according to the information supplied with them. One patch should be applied at a time on a non-hairy, dry area of skin where on the body each morning and left for the recommended period of time. Some patches are designed to be used for 16 hours and should be removed at night. Others can be left on for 24 hours before being removed - this type of patch can be helpful for heavy smokers who need to smoke on waking but can disturb sleep. Each morning, a new patch should be applied to a different site to avoid skin irritation.
What is the inhalator?
The inhalator is a device, designed to be used like a cigarette, which delvers a dose of nicotine from a special cartridge. It is most suitable for occasional smokers who need a 'fix' of nicotine at trigger times. Between 4 and 8 cartridges per day (but no more than 12) may be used at first reducing gradually over a 3 month period. People who try to save cartridges and use only 1 or 2 per day may experience more withdrawal effects.
General FAQ's :- Any questions not covered by the other topics
Quitting FAQ's :- Common Questions and Answers about quitting smoking.
Zyban FAQ's :- Common Questions and Answers about Zyban
NRT FAQ's :- Common Questions and Answers about NRT
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