Using quit smoking products can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and can double your chances of quit success.
Tobacco has a very powerful, addictive drug called nicotine in it. Your body becomes used to the effects of nicotine. When you go without it, quit, or cut back, your body and brain need to adjust. This adjustment is called “nicotine withdrawal”. Withdrawal can start as soon as 30 minutes after you last used tobacco.
Quit smoking products like nicotine gum and patches (also known as Nicotine Replacement Therapy or NRT), and prescription medications can lessen cravings and help you with withdrawal. Here are some of the most commonly available and effective quit smoking products.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine Patch
The patch releases nicotine into your body through your skin in a slow and steady amount while you wear it throughout the day (for either 16 or 24 hours). Nicotine withdrawal should get better in 30 to 60 minutes. The patch works well if you are looking for something with once a day convenience. It’s also a good choice if you wear dentures or have other dental work that may interfere with some NRT products like gum and lozenges.
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum releases nicotine into your mouth when you chew it. The nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream through the vessels in your mouth. Nicotine withdrawal should get better within 15 minutes. The gum works well if you want something in your mouth to help keep you from reaching for a cigarette. It also offers flexibility with flavours and when to use the product.
Nicotine Lozenges
The lozenge releases nicotine when you suck it. The nicotine is delivered into the bloodstream through the lining in your mouth, similar to the nicotine gum. Nicotine withdrawal should get better within 15 minutes. The lozenge works well if you want something in your mouth to help keep you from reaching for a cigarette. It also offers flexibility with flavours and when to use the product.
Nicotine Inhaler
The inhaler delivers a puff of nicotine vapour into your mouth and throat. It can be used to help stave off cravings, and many people find it satisfies the need to have something in your mouth to take the place of a cigarette. When you puff on the inhaler, it releases nicotine into your mouth. The nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream through the vessels in your mouth. Nicotine withdrawal should get better within 15 minutes.
Nicotine Mouth Spray
When you use the mouth spray, it releases nicotine into your mouth. The nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream through the blood vessels found near the surface of your mouth. Nicotine withdrawal should get better within 1 minute (60 seconds). One or two sprays replaces one cigarette. The mouth spray is a good choice if you wear dentures or have other dental work that may interfere with some NRT products like gum and lozenges.
Nicotine replacement therapy products can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription. Side-effects may occur if the product isn’t used in the right way. It’s always important to read over the instructions on how to use the products correctly. Talk to your pharmacist if you are concerned about side effects.
Prescription Medication
Varenicline (Champix®)
Varenicline (Champix®) is an oral medication that helps you quit smoking. It works in two ways to increase your chances of quitting:.
- It makes using tobacco less satisfying, and
- It reduces cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.
Bupropion SR (Zyban®)
Bupropion SR (Zyban®) is an antidepressant pill that helps balance the natural chemicals in your brain. It reduces the desire to smoke, decreases withdrawal symptoms, and reduces weight gain sometimes seen when you quit.
Prescription medications are started before the quit date or as part of a gradual quit approach. Talk to your healthcare provider if you wish to try Varenicline or Bupropion to help you quit.
If you are under 18, pregnant, or have any allergies or conditions that may make you unable to use certain products, it is important for you to talk to a healthcare provider before using quitting medications.
