Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) helps you stop smoking by replacing the nicotine from your cigarettes while you get used to being a non-smoker. Once you feel comfortable without cigarettes you phase out the NRT. There are six NRT products available. You should choose the one which suits you best.

 

 

The patch is put on each morning and is designed to be worn for 16 or 24 hours. It cpmes in different doses so heavier smokers should normally start with the highest dose patch.

 

 

The gum comes in 2mg or 4mg doses and various flavours. Heavier smokers should normally start with the stronger dose. Although the taste can be unpleasant at first most people get used to it within a week or so. The nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth and it is important to chew slowly so that no nicotine is wasted. You should read the instructions carefully before using the gum.

 

The spray consists of a small bottle of nicotine solution which delivers a dose of nicotine in a spray. The nicotine is absorbed faster than from other forms of NRT so the spray is often better for heavier smokers or smokers who still experience strong craving and withdrawal sysmtoms with other NRT products. Some smokers find that the spray irritates their nose so it can be difficult to get used to.  

 

The tablet is placed under the tongue and is left to slowly dissolve. You should not chew or suck the tablet. The tablet works in the same way as the gum and lozenge by allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth. 

 

The lozenge is slowly sucked occasionally resting between the gum and cheek. The lozenge works in the same way as the gum and tablet. 

 

The inhalator is a plastic mouthpiece with a supply of replaceable nicotine cartridges. You draw on it like a cigarette. Rather than reaching the lungs the nicotine stops in the mouth and throat and is delivered through the lining of the mouth.