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Smoking - Nicotine Replacement Therapy
By Eric Hartwell
Nicotine leads to actual physical dependence on the body. This causes physical reactions within the body when quitting smoking. Nicotine Replacement Therapy in the form of gums, patches, sprays, lozenges or inhalers contains nicotine without other harmful chemicals such as are present in tobacco. With NRT, the quitter can focus his or her energy on the psychological aspects of smoking cessation rather than the physical through a gradual withdrawal process that will lessen the physical effects.
How NRT Works
Most people who try to quit smoking on their own, without NRT do not succeed the first time. Many smokers report an average of 8-10 tries until they quit smoking for the last time and stick to it.
Most often, the attempt to quit relapses within the first 3 months. The trick is to not give up and begin the process again until it sticks, reinventing the method used to quit each time.
In 2000, the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) recommended NRT for all those wishing to quit smoking except pregnant women and those with heart or circulatory diseases. This finding has been augmented and now therapies such as the nicotine patch can be administered to those with cardiovascular disease, as long as they are carefully monitored by a doctor. It is not a bad idea to let your doctor know that you are beginning a NRT program and have your doctor monitor you.
NRT can be started as soon as the smoker decides “This is my last cigarette”. The only danger in NRT is in overdosing on the amount of nicotine, so be sure to read the instructions with any patch, gum or lozenge you decide to try.
Five types of NRT have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration
The Patch- is a transdermal nicotime system replacement therapy. The patch is a gradual decrease in nicotine process. Each patch contains a measured dosage of nicotine and the quitter administers these patches in a tapering off order, in order to wean the user off the drug. There are 16-hour patches for light-to-average smokers. 24-hour patches that provide a steady dose of nicotine to help with early morning withdrawal. Some side effects of skin irritation and sleep disruptions may occur. The FDA approves the use of the patch for 3-5 months. Some users have found that 8 weeks or less is just as effective. It is a personal choice.
Side effects may include: red or irritated skin, racing heartbeat, dizziness, sleep problems or intense dreams, vomiting, headache, nausea, muscle aches and stiffness.
The Gum- is nicotine polacrilex. Nicotine replacement occurs through the mucous membranes in the mouth. The dosages come in 2mg and 4mg pieces. The gum is to be chewed until a peppery taste occurs, then tucked inside the cheek and chewed occasionally for 20-30 minutes. Acidic foods and drinks should be avoided. No more than 20 pieces of gum per day. Nicotine gum is recommended for 1-3 months with a maximum of 6 months of usage. Also helpful to taper off usage as with the patch.
Side effects: bad taste, mouth sores, hiccups, nausea, achy jaw, racing heartbeat and throat irritation.
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