What are nicotine replacement therapies?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Nicotine is the addictive thing in tobacco products, but not the harmful stuff. Nicotine Replacement Therapies or “NRTs” are exactly what they sound like. They are tobacco cessation helpers that contain nicotine, the addicting part of tobacco (not the cancer causing part). The NRT’s on the market that do not require a prescription include Nicotine gum (nicotine absorbed through skin inside mouth), Nicotine patch (not for people with eczema, psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, nicotine is absorbed through skin), and Nicotine lozenge (like dissolving hard candies that are very effective at handling short but intense cravings). The NRT’s that do require a prescription include Nicotine inhaler (not for asthmatics, involves a puff of nicotine-laced vapor that you hold in your mouth and then blow out), and Nicotine spray (works well for very heavy smokers, but it may be addicting).
Hold on a hot second, why would you want to put nicotine in your body if you’re trying to quit? The NRT philosophy is based on the fact that weaning off of nicotine is more than twice as effective as going cold turkey.1 Why? It helps you manage those strong initial cravings and withdrawal symptoms. NRTs also come in different quantities of nicotine. The patch for example comes in doses of 21, 14, and 7 milligrams. This way you can gradually lower you body’s nicotine levels with time without your body declaring war on you because you suddenly took away something that it demands.
Nicotine is the addictive thing in tobacco products, but not the harmful stuff. Nicotine Replacement Therapies or “NRTs” are exactly what they sound like. They are tobacco cessation helpers that contain nicotine, the addicting part... More -
Dr. Kelly Traver answered:Nicotine replacement therapies are designed to prevent and treat withdrawal symptoms experienced by people when they stop smoking. These withdrawal symptoms are what 70-90 percent of smokers say is the sole reason they don't quit. There are many different forms of nicotine replacement, which are listed below.
Nicotine gum
Nicotine gum comes in 2- and 4-milligram doses and can be obtained without prescription. The 4-milligram dose is appropriate for heavier smokers, those who smoke more than one pack a day. Do not eat or drink anything within 15 minutes of chewing, otherwise, it will diminish the nicotine absorption.Advantages: Acts fast, avoids the skin irritation that can occur with patches, and provides more flexibility to match replacement therapy with cravings.
Disadvantages: Sore throat, mouth sores, jaw discomfort, damage to dentures or dental prostheses, racing heartbeat, headache, nausea, and insomnia
Nicotine patch
A nicotine patch provides a steady, continuous level of nicotine throughout the day. Nicotine is absorbed through the skin.Advantages: Slow absorption helps to reduce nicotine side effects, and steady levels help prevent sudden nicotine withdrawal that can lead to intense cravings.
Disadvantages: Insomnia, especially with the 24-hour patch, skin irritation, headache, and nausea
Nicotine inhaler
Nicotine inhalers are available only by prescription. Nicotine is delivered through a plastic tube shaped like a cigarette, which has a nicotine cartridge in it.Advantages: Because this form of therapy is so similar to smoking, some smokers find this the most comforting form of replacement when they are experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Disadvantages: This is the most expensive form of nicotine replacement. Side effects include headache, nausea, and insomnia.
Nicotine nasal spray
Nicotine nasal sprays are available only by prescription. They are very effective and offer immediate relief from withdrawal symptoms.
Advantages: Quick, potent, and easy to use
Disadvantages: Nasal irritation, runny nose, watery eyes, and sore throat. People with a history of allergies or asthma or nasal polyps should use a different nicotine replacement therapy. Side effects include headache, nausea, and insomnia.
Nicotine replacement therapies are designed to prevent and treat withdrawal symptoms experienced by people when they stop smoking. These withdrawal symptoms are what 70-90 percent of smokers say is the sole reason they don't quit. There are many... More -
RealAge answered:Nicotine replacement therapies come as patches and inhalers. They supply your brain with some nicotine, so stopping smoking doesn't cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
Nicotine replacement therapies come as patches and inhalers. They supply your brain with some nicotine, so stopping smoking doesn't cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Take the RealAge Test! More
