How You Can Make Nicotine Replacement Therapy Help You
Those who are genuinely trying to kick the smoking habit are desperate enough to try any method. There are many options available but the most popular one is nicotine replacement therapy. Before opting for this however, it is important to understand its different forms and how to use it properly.
What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy?
Nicotine replacement therapy is one of the most commonly used medical approaches in smoking cessation. It is aimed at easing the withdrawal of nicotine by temporarily providing the drug by a method other than cigarettes. As a result, nicotine replacement therapy helps in reducing physical withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleep difficulty, restlessness, and headaches.
As a result of the support that nicotine replacement therapy provides along with coping with the physical symptoms, the smoker is more capable of dealing with the psychological effects of cigarette withdrawal, such as an oral fixation or breaking the smoking “habit” as a response to specific triggers.
Nicotine replacement therapy is accepted as a safe means to quit smoking. There are, however, some side effects that a few people experience, such as sinusitis, irritability, palpitations, and even problems in breathing. To add to this, pregnant women and those with endocrine, heart, or circulatory problems may have to deal with other complications. Any individual falling within these categories should be carefully tested by a doctor before starting any form of nicotine replacement therapy.
Types of Nicotine Replacement Therapy
There are several types of nicotine replacement therapy available today. Nicotine gum is one of the oldest type of nicotine replacement therapy. This gum can be purchased over the counter. Nicotine inhalers, which are like the inhalers used by asthmatics, are another form of nicotine replacement therapy. This form is available only by a prescription. The nicotine patch however, is available over the counter as well as by prescription, and is placed on the skin to provide a constant flow of nicotine. The convenient nicotine nasal spray, is only available by prescription, and is yet another option for nicotine replacement therapy.
How You Can Use Nicotine Gum
When using nicotine gum, the gum must periodically be placed between your gums and your cheek to allow the nicotine to get into your bloodstream. It is important not to swallow the nicotine since it results in very little getting into your bloodstream and it may also cause gastrointestinal problems.
If you are a heavy smoker, which means you smoke at least 25 cigarettes per day, you should go for the 4 mg strength. A smaller 2 mg dose is prescribed for lighter smokers. Even if you do smoke less than 25 cigarettes, however, you may find it necessary to use a stronger dose at first till you wean yourself down to the lower dosage. When using nicotine gum, avoid acidic beverages like tea, coffee, and fruit juice because they will interfere with the nicotine absorption.
How You Can Use A Nicotine Inhaler
Nicotine inhalers give out a small amount of nicotine with every puff. This makes using the inhaler frequently necessary. For people who are trying not to smoke, this is an advantage because it gives them something to do with their hands. The effectiveness of nicotine inhalers, however, goes down at temperatures of 50 degrees or less. It is also necessary to avoid acidic beverages in order to obtain the full effect.
How You Can Use A Nicotine Patch
Nicotine patches are available in two dosages, 16 hour and 24 hour. Light smokers generally use the 16 hour dose while heavy smokers use the 24 hour patch. Those who suffer from sleeplessness when using the 24 hour patch can also choose to use the 16 hour patch since it is not made to provide nicotine during the night. Some brands of nicotine patches come in varying strengths of nicotine, as well. They allow you to taper off the dosage of nicotine you use in your nicotine replacement therapy.
Some people however, experience skin irritation from the patch. If this happens, you should try a lower strength. If this doesn’t work, you can also try switching brands. If you are still unable to resolve the skin irritation and it is very irritating, look at one of the other forms of nicotine replacement therapy.
How To Use A Nasal Spray
Nasal sprays provide immediate relief from cravings. Some people however, experience side effects like coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Regardless of which form of nicotine replacement therapy you choose, it is important to participate in counseling or other ways to deal with the psychological aspects of this addiction. Nicotine replacement therapy is not the “cure all” for smoking cessation.