Pros and cons of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

What is nicotine replacement therapy?

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a way of getting nicotine into the bloodstream without smoking. The main aim of NRT is to wean smokers off their addiction to nicotine and help reduce nicotine withdrawal and cravings. Various methods are employed and different aids are used. The effectiveness of NRT as an aid to smoking cessation has been thoroughly investigated and its efficiency unequivocally proven.

Most common forms of NRT

These include:

• • Patches (transdermal patches that release nicotine into the body through the skin)

• • Gum (releases nicotine slowly into the mouth)

• • Nasal spray (delivers nicotine to the bloodstream quickly because it’s absorbed through the nose)

• • Inhalers (delivers a puff of nicotine vapour into the mouth and throat)

• • Lozenges.

Although the abovementioned all have mild side-effects, the nicotine replacement products have a low abuse liability and are mostly very successful aids in reducing many nicotine withdrawal cravings and other symptoms.

Several studies have been done on the effectiveness of nicotine patches in helping smokers successfully quit smoking. Patches should be applied in the morning to dry, hairless, clean and non-irritated areas of skin on the upper arm, chest, back or hip. However, wearing the nicotine patch to bed at night is not recommended as it can disturb sleep and cause the so-called “nicotine patch vivid dreams”.

The patch greatly reduces the urge to smoke but managing the cravings associated with smoking need an added ingredient – willpower!

Improper use of gum (see instructions enclosed with product) may sometimes cause an upset stomach (nausea) or heartburn and jaw pain caused by chewing. It is not recommended for those with temporomandibular (TM) disorders of the jaw.

Nicotine nasal sprays deliver more nicotine per spray and relieve withdrawal symptoms very quickly. They need a doctor’s prescription.

The nicotine inhaler may not be a good choice for people with breathing problems such as asthma and allergies or conditions such as sinusitis. It may cause coughing, a scratchy throat and sometimes an upset stomach. However, it is the NRT method that’s most like smoking a cigarette.

Side-effects of nicotine lozenges may include an upset stomach and gas, hiccups, heartburn and headaches.

Other “reduced risk” aids include:

• • Novel tobacco products such as low tar cigarettes that deliver nicotine with minimal combustion of tobacco

• • Electronic nicotine delivery devices (ENDD) also called electronic-cigarettes or e-cigarettes.

None of these so-called “reduced risk” products have been proven to reduce the risk of cigarette smoking or to aid smoking cessation. Their efficacy as cigarette substitutes has not been adequately tested and there are many health and safety concerns about their use yet to be addressed.

Medicinal treatments for smoking cessation

Talk to you doctor or pharmacist about medications available to use in conjunction with common NRT products. They are generally well-tolerated and considered safe and helpful in reducing withdrawal symptoms.

It’s a personal choice

Embarking on the NRT road is usually a matter of personal choice and much determination!

 

Source

 

Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Retrieved from: http://www.treatobacco.net/
Nicotine Replacement Therapy for quitting tobacco. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/
The pros and cons of using nicotine patches. Retrieved from: http://www.slideshare.net/
What are the types of nicotine replacement therapy? 2014. Retrieved from: http://www.cancer.org
Woolacott, N.F., Jones, L., Forbes, C.A., et al. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation: a systematic review and economic evaluation. Retrieved from: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/