Nicotine Replacement Therapy: What Is It?

Nicotine replacement therapy is a useful treatment to quit smoking. Its purpose is to provide the body with this substance in the form of gum, patches, sprays and pills. The main advantage of these options is that you can avoid the harmful effects of chemical reactions of cigarettes.

How does nicotine replacement therapy work?

Nicotine replacement therapy can help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings, which people experience when they quit smoking. Usually, smokers need several attempts before giving up tobacco for good.

Most smokers relapse in the first month, mainly due to the symptoms they experience as a result of nicotine withdrawal. Replacement therapy only deals with physical dependence. Thus, smokers will also need strategies to overcome the psychological part.

Studies on this procedure show that the chances of quitting smoking are much higher when people undergo nicotine replacement therapy and receive psychological support.

Nicotine replacement therapy is one of the therapeutic options used to relieve the symptoms that occur after quitting smoking.

Types of nicotine replacement therapy

1. Patches

2. Chewing gum

This type of chewing gum is intended for consumption for a maximum period of 6 months. In addition, people should not chew this gum all day.

The oral mucous membrane absorbs nicotine from the chewing gum. The gum is available in concentrations of 2 mg and 4 mg, and people should chew it slowly until they feel the taste. Then he has to hold it on one side of his cheeks, inside his mouth, until he no longer perceives the taste. The process should be repeated for 1 hour, changing the side of the mouth.

Because the oral mucous membrane absorbs nicotine, any other intake of food and drink may affect its absorption. For this reason, it is better not to eat or drink anything for at least a quarter of an hour before chewing gum.

It is not recommended to consume more than 24 chewing gums a day, and the treatment should not last more than 6 months. The ideal duration of use of nicotine gum is between 2 and 4 months. In addition, possible side effects may include, but are not limited to, unpleasant taste in the mouth or throat.

This treatment quickly sends nicotine into the bloodstream through the nasal mucosa. It helps to quickly relieve any withdrawal symptoms and helps you control the urge to smoke.

The FDA recommends using sprays for 3 months and no more than 6 months. The most common side effects of using nicotine nasal spray include throat and nose irritation. These effects disappear after a few weeks of stopping the spray.

They come in two different doses to meet the nicotine needs of different smokers. The concentration can be 2 and 4 mg, and the person in question must choose the one that best meets their needs.

It is usually recommended to suggest a tablet every 1 or 2 hours for a month and a half. Then switch to one tablet every 2 to 4 hours for almost 2 months. Finally, use 1 tablet every 4 to 8 hours for 3 months.

As with chewing gum, the oral mucous membrane absorbs nicotine from these pills. Therefore, you should not eat or drink anything for at least a quarter of an hour before taking a pill or while you have one in your mouth. Remember that you need to suck the tablet until it dissolves completely – about half an hour.

Conclusion: nicotine replacement therapy

No type of nicotine replacement therapy is better than another. You just have to choose the one that best suits your lifestyle and your smoking habits.