Most smokers experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms in their attempt to quit smoking abruptly. Symptoms they experience due to the addictive nature of the nicotine in tobacco. Chewing gums and patches that deliver small doses of nicotine can alleviate these symptoms. Likewise, they increase the possibilities of quitting smoking. The first week after quitting smoking is the hardest. This period is associated with the body’s need for nicotine.
Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, depression, and the constant urge to smoke, can occur due to the lack of nicotine in the body. The use of appetite and concentration supplements is sometimes problematic, especially during this period. However, using nicotine replacement therapy helps relieve these symptoms. This greatly increases the success rate of smoking cessation.
The different types of nicotine replacement products
Nicotine inhalers and sprays
The nicotine inhaler draws nicotine through the mouth, like a cigarette. To use it, a replaceable cartridge or capsule must be placed on the mouthpiece of the inhaler. Nicotine cartridges are available in a strength of 15mg. Depending on a person’s smoking habits, they can use 3-6 cartridges per day. To get enough nicotine from a cartridge, consumption must be much more frequent than with a cigarette.
- Try for 10 to 20 minutes;
- Then gradually reduce the number of times during the session until you no longer need it;
- The nicotine spray should be used approximately 1-2 times per hour, the same frequency as a cigarette;
- After 5-6 weeks of using the spray, gradually reduce the number of sprays until you no longer need them.
Nicotine patches
Patches come in different strengths, and a patch is usually worn for 12 to 24 hours. They work by continuously releasing nicotine through the skin. The patch can be placed on the outside or inside of the arm, shoulder or hip. For the patch to be effective, its application must be pressed for 10 to 20 seconds on clean, dry skin free of creams or lotions. The patches should also be applied daily to new areas of skin. Using the patch gradually reduces your dependence on nicotine over a period of three months. The treatment varies according to the quantity of cigarettes consumed before the start of the treatment.
Nicotine lozenges
The lozenges gradually release the nicotine over time when sucked, allowing the nicotine to enter your bloodstream through the oral mucosa. During the first 6 to 10 weeks after the start of treatment, the doctor recommends using a product every 2 hours, ie 8 to 12 lozenges per day, then gradually reducing the number of lozenges until they are eliminated. Lozenges come in different strengths, depending on the amount of nicotine required. Their nicotine content is between 1 and 4 milligrams.
Nicotine chewing gum
To get all the nicotine from the gum, chew slowly for about 30-45 minutes. Plan breaks between chews and allow time for the body to absorb the nicotine through the oral mucosa. Chewing gums can be chosen from a variety of flavors including peppermint and fruit. To begin treatment, you will chew 8-12 pieces of gum throughout the day. Over a few weeks, the amount of gum is gradually reduced to 1-2 pieces per day. After 3 to 6 months, the treatment can be stopped completely. Nicotine gum comes in two strengths: 2 and 4 milligrams of nicotine. The highest dose is recommended for smokers of more than 20 cigarettes per day.
The negative effects of nicotine replacement therapy
Nicotine replacement therapies are widely considered safe and effective in helping to stop smoking. Some nicotine replacement therapies can have short-term negative effects, which depend on how the therapy is used. If the side effect becomes too uncomfortable, try another form of this therapy. Chewing gums, inhalers, lozenges and sprays can eventually cause stomach upset and irritation of the oral mucosa.
Of the results of studies looking at these side effects, 11% of people reported mouth or throat irritation, while 4% of people had stomach upset that sometimes led to hiccups. Additionally, nicotine patches can potentially cause skin irritation, as shown by 13% of respondents in research. Although serious side effects are not common, some have been reported with the patches. Today, there is no information showing an increased risk of developing heart disease with this type of therapy.
Is nicotine replacement therapy an effective help?
Many scientific studies have been conducted to test the ability of nicotine substitutes to convince smokers to stop their tobacco consumption. The majority of these people smoked more than 20 cigarettes a day – some more than 15 cigarettes. Most of them received other forms of advice in addition to this type of therapy, and were followed up 6 to 10 months later to check for a possible return to smoking.
According to the researchers, nicotine replacement therapy has proven to be an effective aid in quitting smoking. In fact, this group of researchers found that the success rate increased from 10% without the use of nicotine replacement therapy to 18% with this therapy. Thanks to this useful method, 8% of additional participants successfully access smoking cessation.
A recent study reported that people who combined nicotine replacement therapy with other services, such as a smoking cessation support program, were more likely to have success. The chances of quitting smoking also increase dramatically when you use two different types of nicotine products, such as lozenges and patches.
What is the principle of nicotine replacement therapy?
Smokers who want to quit can use nicotine replacement therapy. This therapy replaces the nicotine in tobacco. It is replaced by lower doses of nicotine from products such as patches or gum. To succeed in quitting smoking, the dose reduction must be gradual. Until the body no longer wants nicotine.
Nicotine replacement therapy comes in many forms, including nicotine patches, gummies, inhalers, tablets, and sprays. These products deliver nicotine to the body at a more steady and lower rate than cigarettes. In addition, these products eliminate dangerous substances from tobacco smoke, including carbon monoxide and tar.
Nicotine replacement therapy can be used up to 2 weeks before quitting smoking. This type of product is only available in pharmacies, and no prescription is necessary. Pharmacy staff or pharmacists can explain how to use them. Whatever your preference, there is nicotine replacement therapy that can aid in smoking cessation.
The use of nicotine replacement therapy during pregnancy
Most studies of nicotine replacement therapies have been conducted in non-pregnant populations. And, there is strong evidence that they lead to better performance in quitting smoking. Despite the existence of numerous studies on medical treatments during pregnancy; opinions are divided as to their beneficial effects or not. Most health professionals recommend counseling as the main method of support to help pregnant women quit smoking.
In certain situations that do not allow the implementation of other smoking cessation strategies; and if followed closely by a qualified physician, medical societies may consider tobacco replacement therapies a good idea during pregnancy.
How much do nicotine replacement treatments cost?
Nicotine replacement therapies allow smokers to wean themselves off by giving them different products, like patches, gummies, nasal sprays, inhalers, and tablets to get their nicotine fix in a healthier way. The average price of nicotine replacement therapies, over time, is 100 to 300 euros. Therapy expenses should not be incurred all at once. But, they must be spread over several sessions, each generally lasting 2 weeks. Although the cost of treatment may seem expensive to some smokers, the physical and financial benefits of quitting smoking are not limited to the amount spent on treatment. In the long term, this therapy can be an indispensable asset for people who want to break free from their addiction.
Conclusion
Nicotine replacement therapy is recognized as one of the most effective methods for quitting smoking. And, it’s important to remember that combining other services with this type of therapy can increase your chances of success. Although potential side effects exist, they are not dangerous and do not affect everyone. Although this therapy can be used by pregnant women, it is best to consult a doctor beforehand. Consulting a healthcare professional can determine the benefits of either option for your particular case.