Nicotine Replacement Treatment
Most of smokers are getting addicted to the cigarette smoke. It can be happened since cigarette smoke contains nicotine. Nicotine is the component responsible for the smoking-addiction. If smokers have been addicted then it will bring many disadvantages for their health. Therefore, smoking activity in smokers should be stopped. One method that can be applied to overcome smoking-addiction is nicotine replacement treatment.
This method is quite useful, but whatever form smokers take – spray, gum, lozenges, or skin patches—nicotine is nicotine! Again, the people who are most likely to be successful are those who are determined to stop. Some of these forms of nicotine replacement treatment are available by prescription. Some are available over the counter. For your attention, they are not given to women who are pregnant or who breastfeed.
Smokers wanting to quit should choose the product they find most acceptable. These products are all equally effective. The gum or spray is useful for people who have cravings. Nicotine replacement treatments give a lower nicotine level than cigarettes and increase the chances of quitting. Nicotine treatments are generally safe and, for patients who have had a heart attack, safer than cigarettes.
Here are the form options of nicotine replacement treatment:
- Patches.
What: These look like sticking pads.
Where: It is used on the arm or non hairy skin.
How long: They last around 16 hours and come in three strengths, delivering nicotine slowly into the bloodstream through the skin. They are normally used for three months, starting with the highest dose patch and reducing the dose slowly.
Adverse effects: The patch can cause itching, so changing its position can help stop the itching.
Usefulness: Patches are particularly useful for moderate smokers (10–20 cigarettes per day) and improve the chances of quitting by 50%. - Gum.
What: Like an ordinary gum.
Where: Just chewing it and you can be bought it over the counter
How long: Do not chew more than 15 pieces per day. It should to be chewed and then left in the space between the gum and teeth for 30 minutes.
Adverse effects: Many ex-smokers get addicted to the gum and find it enjoyable, but it is less dangerous than cigarettes.
Usefulness: This is useful for heavy smokers with cravings. It comes in different strength. - Nasal Spray.
What: A spray form.
How long: It can be used 32 times per day.
Adverse effects: The spray can irritate the nose and throat.
Usefulness: The spray gives a quickly absorbed “fix” and is designed for people with cravings. - Tablets and Lozenges.
These are similar to gum and are preferred by people whose teeth or dentures make gum difficult to use.
The example of the tablet form:
Bupropion (Zyban)
Here are the things related to Bupropion (Zyban):- These tablets do not contain nicotine.
- It is aimed at people who want to stop smoking but are dependent on nicotine.
- Its mechanism work is by reducing the desire to smoke and help reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- They double the chances of success in quitting.
- Most people tolerate Buproprion, and it is quite effective.
- It is available by prescription, and the treatment is for 2 to 3months.
- Side effects include a dry mouth and difficulty sleeping and headache, but these disappear after a few weeks.
- Buproprion is not given to patients with seizures, eating disorders, or kidney or liver problems or to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
As it is said on the above, nicotine is nicotine. The people who are most likely to be successful in quitting smoking are those who are determined to stop. Nicotine replacement treatment is not an absolute solution for those who are intent to quit smoking. Otherwise, you can check these tips in quitting smoking.
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