Nicotine Patches|Nicotine Gums.

Quitting smoking help is also available in the form of nicotine replacements.  Nicotine replacement therapy forms an important option for smoking cessation.

• Nicotine patches to quit smoking are applied over the skin. These patches contain nicotine which is gradually absorbed through the skin into the blood. This is called transdermal absorption.
• Similarly nicotine gums or stop smoking gums and nicotine lozenges are also used.

Having nicotine levels in blood with help of these nicotine replacements reduces the severity of the smoking withdrawal symptoms thereby helping to curb the craving for a smoke. These nicotine replacements are then gradually reduced over time.

Nicotine Replacements: Nicotine Patches and Nicotine Gums.

• Nicotine replacement therapy, commonly called NRT in short, products became available over the counter in the 1990s.
• Since quitting smoking gives rise to nicotine withdrawal symptoms, it becomes that much more difficult for the smoker to quit. NRT or nicotine replacement therapy consists of substituting the nicotine in the cigarette, which has been withdrawn, with another source of nicotine. This keeps away the withdrawal symptoms and helps with smoking cessation.
• This does help to get rid of the smoking habit, but dependency on nicotine remains intact.
• However, nicotine is then gradually withdrawn and replaced.
• Nicotine replacement therapy is available as
  1. Nicotine skin patches in which route of absorption of nicotine is transdermal. (Nicoderm and Nicotrol). A nicotine patch is applied over the skin
  2. Nicotine gum or stop smoking gum (Nicorette).
  3. Nicotine lozenges or stop smoking lozenges.

• All these products release nicotine in gradual manner.
• Different strengths are available for smokers according to the severity of their smoking habit.
• Success rate of nicotine replacement therapy or NRT in smoking cessation is 25%. The success rate is higher when NRT is combined with stop smoking programs.
• Nicotine nasal sprays are also available as quitting smoking help, but by prescription only.

How to Use a Nicotine Patch.

• After removing the nicotine patch from its cover, do not touch the sticky side of the patch.
• Apply and stick the patch on your skin on an area which is not covered by hair such as the upper arm or sides of the stomach.
• Press the nicotine patch flat against the skin with the flat of your palm for about10 seconds. make sure the nicotine patch is planted smoothly and flat against the skin.
• Wash your hands with soap and water as nicotine on your hands from the patch could get into your eyes or nose and cause burning.
• Wear the patch for a time as instructed on the cover of the patch which is about 16 to 24 hours.
• Dispose off the nicotine patch by folding it and disposing it off in the cover of the patch so that it does come in contact with children and pets.
• The next patch should be used in a different area.
• If you feel uncomfortable using it during sleep, you can remove it and use a fresh patch in the morning.

Picture showing nicotine patch in use.

Side Effects of Nicotine Patches.

Side effects of nicotine patches consist of itching and redness at the site where the patch was applied, headache, anxiety, lack of sleep, change of taste and menorrhagia (painful menstruation).

Side Effects of Nicotine Gum or Stop Smoking Gum

Side effects of nicotine gum consist of soreness of gums, change of taste, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, abdominal discomfort and flatulence.

Disadvantages of Nicotine Replacement therapy.

Because nicotine the main addictive in tobacco is used in this therapy, there is a risk of readdiction. However, if weaning is properly done as per advice and instructions, this risk gets eliminated to great extent.

Summary.

NRT or Nicotine replacement is a useful quitting smoking help and gives a effective success rate which increases when combined with the stop smoking program and a strong will power. Nicotine patches, nicotine gums and nicotine lozenges form part of the nicotine replacement therapy which help to quit smoking.

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3. Smoking|Cigarette Smoking|Smoking Facts.
4. Quitting Smoking|Why Stop Smoking.
5. Quitting Smoking on Your Own|How To Stop Smoking on Your Own.
6. Quitting Smoking With Hypnosis.
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