Smoking Treatment

Smoking Treatment

Smoking Treatment
If you have an addiction to smoking, it is best to recognize the problem and work on a plan to stop smoking for your overall health improvement. To quit smoking, you can create motivational tips for weaning yourself off cigarettes by a certain date and replacing that habit with a healthier habit such as walking or chewing sugar-free gum. Learn more from our experts how to create a cessation plan.

Recently Answered

  • QDoes nicotine replacement therapy help people stop smoking?
    5 Answers
    A
    Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, MD - Atlanta, GA - Emergency Medicine
    A , Emergency Medicine, answered
    The US Public Health Service Guidelines recommend nicotine replacement therapy for almost all smokers who are trying to quit. NRT increases the chances of successfully quitting by 50% to 70%. This effectiveness does not depend on length of treatment, how the therapy is offered, or any additional support or supervision provided.

    Studies show that combination NRT is one of the most effective aids to quitting smoking. The nicotine patch used along with nicotine gum, nicotine nasal spray, or bupropion is highly effective. 

    This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor. 
    See All 5 Answers
  • QHow do nicotine patches treat nicotine addiction?
    1 Answer
    A
    Dr. Robin Miller, MD - Medford, OR - Internal Medicine
    A , Internal Medicine, answered
    Nicotine patches slowly release a steady amount of nicotine into the body and help curb the craving for cigarettes. If someone is a heavy smoker they will need to start with a high dose patch and gradually move on to the lower dose patches at 6 week intervals.

    It is important that you do not smoke when you are on the patch since it can lead to a nicotine overdose. In addition, it is best to take the patch off at night since it can cause nightmares. Some people may need additional help such as counseling which may increase their chance of success.

  • QWhat is high-dose nicotine replacement therapy for heavy smokers?
    1 Answer
    A
    Dr. Vincent T DeVita Jr - New Haven, CT - Oncology
    A , Oncology, answered
    Another NRT option is to give smokers a higher dose based on the amount of nicotine that they have been getting from cigarettes. Sometimes this method has required larger doses of NRT than have been used before. High-dose NRT with patches has been studied with patients getting from 35 mg to 63 mg of nicotine per day. The research suggests that patients' withdrawal symptoms go away with these higher doses and their cravings improve without harmful effects on the heart and circulation. Patients were carefully watched in these studies to make sure they were doing well and were not becoming ill or having any problems. But not much is known about this option and it should be considered only with a doctor's guidance and supervision.
  • QIs nicotine replacement therapy safe for long-term use?
    1 Answer
    A
    Stacy Wiegman, PharmD - Tega Cay, SC - Pharmacy
    A , Pharmacy, answered
    Nicotine replacement therapy is designed to be used only for as long as it takes to quit smoking or using smokeless tobacco. Nicotine gum, for example, should not be used for more than six months. Nicotine patches are usually used for two months.
  • QWhat should I know about nicotine replacement therapy?
    1 Answer
    A
    Stacy Wiegman, PharmD - Tega Cay, SC - Pharmacy
    A , Pharmacy, answered
    You should not smoke while pursuing nicotine replacement therapy. Doing so can cause toxic levels of nicotine to accumulate in the body. Nicotine replacement therapy causes elevated heart rates in a developing fetus when used by pregnant women. Nicotine replacement therapy products should be kept out of reach of children. The dosage needed will depend on how many cigarettes a person smokes per day. When using nicotine replacement therapy products, the dosage should be reduced gradually.
  • QWho should use nicotine replacement products?
    1 Answer
    A
    Stacy Wiegman, PharmD - Tega Cay, SC - Pharmacy
    A , Pharmacy, answered
    People who are trying to stop smoking tobacco should use nicotine replacement products such as lozenges, gum, skin patches, inhalers, and nasal spray to control their cravings. These nicotine products will also help reduce withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor about the right nicotine product for your particular needs.
  • QHow can nicotine nasal spray help me quit smoking?
    1 Answer
    A
    Dr. Vincent T DeVita Jr - New Haven, CT - Oncology
    A , Oncology, answered
    The nasal spray delivers nicotine to the bloodstream as it is quickly absorbed through the nose. It is available only by prescription.

    The nasal spray relieves withdrawal symptoms very quickly and lets you control your nicotine cravings. Smokers usually like the nasal spray because it is easy to use. But the FDA warns users that since this product contains nicotine, it can allow the addiction to continue. The FDA recommends that the spray be prescribed for 3-month periods and that it not be used for longer than 6 months.

    The most common side effects last about 1 to 2 weeks and can include the following:
    • Nasal irritation
    • Runny nose
    • Watery eyes
    • Sneezing
    • Throat irritation
    • Coughing
    There is also the danger of using more than is needed. If you have asthma, allergies, nasal polyps, or sinus problems, your doctor may suggest another form of NRT.
     
  • QWhat happens on days 46-180 of a "Kick the Habit" quit smoking plan?
    1 Answer
    A
    Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD - New York, NY - Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)
    A , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

    Here's what happens on days 46-180 of my "Kick the Habit" plan:

    If you are taking prescription medications and nicotine replacement aids, you may be able to cut down. Check in with your doctor and let him or her know how you are doing. The best way to begin removing yourself is to slowly taper off.

    Continue the walking plan and report in to your support person daily.

    When you get to day 181, it is safe to say you are officially a nonsmoker. Congratulations! Keep exercising and living a healthy lifestyle.

    There are a few online stop smoking Web sites that you can use to monitor your success.

  • QWill eating and drinking interfere with nicotine lozenges?
    1 Answer
    A
    Dr. Gary Wenk - Columbus, OH - Psychology
    A , Psychology, answered
    Yes, eating or drinking will accelerate the removal of nicotine from the blood and require that you consume more lozenges. The same thing is true for smokers.  Eating a meal or drinking many different beverages changes the acidity of the urine in the kidneys and bladder. When nicotine-containing blood passes through the kidneys it will be chemically trapped within the urine and will not be able to re-enter the blood again. The fall in blood levels of nicotine will be noticed by the brain and induce you to crave another lozenge. 
  • QCan I become addicted to nicotine replacement therapy?
    2 Answers
    A
    Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, MD - Atlanta, GA - Emergency Medicine
    A , Emergency Medicine, answered
    Because there is less nicotine in NRT and it is delivered more slowly, your chances of becoming addicted to NRT are much lower than becoming addicted to cigarettes. Also, you will be using NRT with less and less nicotine as you quit. This lets your body gradually get used to not having nicotine. 

    This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor. 
    See All 2 Answers