Using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and quit medications reduces withdrawal symptoms and doubles your chances of quit success.
Tobacco has a very powerful, addictive drug called nicotine in it. Your body gets 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.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and quit medications can lessen cravings and help you handle withdrawal. Here are some of the most commonly available and effective options.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine replacement therapy products can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription. Their side-effects may occur because the product wasn’t used in the right way. It’s always important to read over the instructions on how to use the products correctly.
Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum releases nicotine into your mouth when you chew it. Nicotine is delivered into the bloodstream through the lining in your mouth. 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 it.
Potential side effects include:
- Sore mouth or jaw
- Hiccups
- Heartburn
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Throat or mouth irritation
Nicotine Inhaler
The inhaler delivers a puff of nicotine vapour into your mouth and throat. Nicotine is delivered into the bloodstream through the lining in your mouth. Nicotine withdrawal should get better within 15 minutes.
The inhaler 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.
Potential side effects include:
- Mouth and throat irritation
- Cough
- Hiccups
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Unpleasant taste
Nicotine Lozenge
The lozenge releases nicotine when you suck on it. Nicotine is delivered into the bloodstream through the lining in your mouth. 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.
Potential side effects include:
- Nausea
- Hiccups
- Heartburn
- Cough
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
Nicotine Mouth Spray
When you use nicotine mouth spray, it releases nicotine into your mouth. Nicotine is delivered into the bloodstream through the lining in your mouth. Nicotine withdrawal should get better within 1 minute (60 seconds). One or two sprays replace 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.
Potential side effects include:
- Nose and throat irritation
- Tearing up (watery eyes)
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Headache
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.
Potential side effects include:
- Trouble sleeping or unusual dreams. You can take the patch off before bedtime to minimize these effects, but this may also increase your nighttime and early morning cravings.
- Itching, redness, or burning where the patch is. Make sure you regularly change the site where you apply the patch. You can also try a different brand.
Nicotine Pouch (Zonnic®)
Nicotine pouches release nicotine when you place them under your upper lip. Each nicotine pouch contains 4mg of nicotine. Pouches are recommended for adults who smoke 25 or more cigarettes per day.
Place each pouch under the upper lip for up to 60 minutes, then throw away. Avoid acidic drinks 15 minutes before and after use. Only use nicotine pouches approved by Health Canada.
Potential side effects inlude:
- Iirritated mouth, gums or teeth
- Stomach upset (nausea)
- Feeling lightheaded
- Hiccups
Quit Medications
Some quit medications need to be started before you quit or cut down on smoking. Talk to your healthcare provider if you want to try medications to help you quit.
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.
Potential side effects:
- Nausea
- Sleep disturbances/vivid dreams
- Drepressed mood
- Agitation
- Changes in behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
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.
Potential side effects:
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Vivid dreams
- Bad taste in mouth
- Nervousness/trouble concentrating
- Rash
- Constipation
Cytisine
Cytisine is a natural health product approved by Health Canada. It reduces the rewarding effects of nicotine and withdrawal symptoms.
Cytisine is taken by mouth as directed for 25 days. It can be purchased without a prescription.
Vaping to Quit Smoking
Nicotine vaping products are not approved as quit smoking aids in Canada. But research has found they can help people quit.
If you switch to vaping, it is important not to smoke. Vaping and smoking together have higher health risks and can make it more difficult to quit smoking.
When you're ready, get help to quit vaping too. Vaping is not risk-free and evidence is growing that it has many of the same health risks as smoking.
If you're 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 quit medications.
