Which NRT is right for you? When you stop smoking the nicotine levels in your body drop quickly, which can cause withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, bad mood, irritability and an inability to concentrate. Using stop smoking aids called nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products can help you cope with these withdrawal symptoms. NRT products are available over the counter at your local Careway
pharmacy. There are lots of different NRT products available, so which type should you choose? Your Careway pharmacist can advise you about the different
types of NRT and who they’re best suited to,. In the meantime here’s quick guide:
Nicotine patches Ideal for people who don’t like the taste of oral NRT products (gum, lozenges etc). Nicotine patches release a steady amount of nicotine into the
bloodstream through the skin and can be worn 24 hours a day or just during the time you’re awake. The 24-hour patch may be more suitable for those who crave cigarettes first thing in the morning. Nicotine patches are available in different strengths, so you can
gradually reduce the amount of nicotine you get from them gradually, before stopping them altogether.
Nicotine gum Gum can be helpful for those who need short bursts of nicotine to relieve cravings. By chewing nicotine gum the nicotine is absorbed through the lining
of your mouth. When you first stop smoking you should be advised to chew about one piece of gum every hour. Chew the gum until the taste becomes strong or hot – this releases the nicotine. Then rest the gum inside your cheek without chewing it. Once the taste or heat fades start chewing again to release more nicotine. The idea is you should be able to chew less nicotine gum over time,
or use lower-dose gum. You can also try alternating it with a non- nicotine gum.
Lozenges Also good for those who need short bursts of nicotine to relieve cravings. Lozenges work in a similar way to nicotine gum. Initially you should
be having a nicotine lozenge every one or two hours, then after six weeks you’ll have one every two to four hours, finally reducing to one every four to eight hours during the last two weeks of your 12-week treatment. For more information about using lozenges as well as other
NRT medicines, visit
www.nhs.uk/smokefree/help-and- advice/prescription-medicines.
Inhalators People who miss having a cigarette in their hands may find inhalators helpful. Inhalators release a nicotine vapour into your mouth when you
inhale through it (just as you would with a cigarette). The nicotine gets into your bloodstream very quickly, so they’re ideal for coping with cravings. Each inhalator contains a disposable cartridge containing nicotine.
Nicotine nasal sprays These are suitable for people who smoke heavily and/or have had difficulty giving up using other methods. Nicotine nasal sprays work fast and produce the same sensation you get from smoking more than other forms of NRT. By using a nicotine nasal spray you get a fast and effective dose of nicotine delivered to your bloodstream through the lining of your nose.
You release one spray into each nostril twice an hour, with each dose giving the same amount of nicotine as a single cigarette. Ideally the spray should be used for a total of 12
weeks. However there may be side effects, including nose and throat irritation, watering eyes and coughing.
Microtabs People who are trying to smoke fewer cigarettes may find microtabs useful. Microtabs are small tablets that dissolve quickly
under your tongue, releasing nicotine into your bloodstream. You should take one or two tabs every hour for up to three months after you quit, then cut back on them gradually.
TOP TIP: you can use more than one NRT product at the same time to help you quit. For instance you could use nicotine patches as well as lozenges or gum together – this is called dual therapy. Find out more by speaking to your local Careway pharmacist. For more information on Stoptober, visit the
Stoptober Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/stoptober.
How your pharmacist can help
Thinking about giving up smoking? You don’t have to do it alone. According to the NHS Smokefree campaign,
you’re four times more likely to quit smoking if you get help. Many Careway pharmacies offer Stop Smoking services, where trained advisers are on hand to support you and help you quit for good. If you sign up to a Stop Smoking service at
your local pharmacy, you can also get NRT and other stop smoking medicines at the cost of a prescription.
All About health 25
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