Types of Nicotine Replacement Therapy
There are many types of Nicotine Replacement Therapy methods that a smoker can choose from to help him with his problems on quitting smoking. Among them are nicotine inhalers, nicotine lozenges, and nicotine nasal spray. All these types have their advantages and disadvantages. These allow a smoker to choose which one would best fit him in his fight against nicotine addiction.
A nicotine inhaler is composed of a cartridge containing small tubes with nicotine content. As you take a puff from the inhaler, the cartridge gives out nicotine vapor but unlike most inhalers, the vapor is delivered to the mouth and not into the lungs. This type of NRT requires prescription and can be quite expensive. Only a recommended dose of 6 to 16 cartridges in a day for 6 months is allowed. Most common side effects of inhalers are throat irritation, coughing and even upset stomach.
A nicotine lozenge is over-the counter and is the latest to be introduced in the market. It comes in 2 mg and 4 mg varieties. Most professionals would instruct a user to take 1 lozenge every 2 hours for 6 weeks, then another lozenge every 4 hours for the next 3 weeks. On the 10th to the 12th week, only 1 lozenge is to be taken every 8 hours. It has been found out though that lozenges can cause coughing, nausea, hiccups, heartburn, headaches, and some trouble sleeping so never use more than 20 lozenges in a day.
The nicotine nasal spray brings nicotine into the bloodstream through the nose. It helps control nicotine cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms quickly. The FDA though recommends that it should be used for a maximum of 6 months as it still contains nicotine that is highly addictive. Most users would experience discomforts like nasal irritation, sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, and runny nose when they use nicotine nasal sprays.
Tags: nicotine addiction, nicotine withdrawal, quit smoking, quit smoking tools, smoking cessation, stop smoking
