The Right Nicotine Replacement That May Be Right For You

Which Type of Nicotine Replacement May Be Right for You?

There’s no evidence that any one type of nicotine replacement therapy is any better than another. When choosing which type of NRT you will use, think about which method will best fit your lifestyle and pattern of smoking. Do you want/need something to chew or occupy your hands? Or are you looking for once-a-day convenience?

Some important points to consider:

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Nicotine gums, lozenges, and inhalers are oral substitutes that allow you to control your dosage to help keep cravings under better control.
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Nicotine gums and lozenges are generally sugar-free, but if you are diabetic and have any doubts, check with the manufacturer.
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Nicotine nasal spray works very quickly when you need it.
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Nicotine inhalers allow you to mimic the use of cigarettes by puffing and holding the inhaler.
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Nicotine patches are convenient and only have to be applied once a day.
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Both inhalers and nasal sprays require a doctor’s prescription.
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Some people may not be able to use patches, inhalers, or nasal sprays because of allergies or other conditions.

Combination of the patch and other nicotine replacement products

Using the nicotine patch along with shorter-acting products such as the gum, lozenge, nasal spray, or inhaler is another method of NRT. The idea is to provide a steady dose of nicotine with the patch and to use one of the shorter-acting products when you have strong cravings.

The few studies that have been done on combination NRT have found that it may be slightly better than a single product. Still, more research is needed to prove this and to find safe and effective doses. The combined use of nicotine replacement products has not yet been approved by the FDA. If you are considering using more than one NRT product, be sure to discuss this with your doctor first.

High-Dose Nicotine Replacement Therapy

One of the newer concepts in nicotine replacement therapy is to give smokers a higher dose specifically based on the amount of nicotine that they have been getting from cigarettes. Sometimes this method has required larger doses of nicotine replacement than have been used before. High-dose NRT with patches has been studied with patients getting from 35 mg to 63 mg of nicotine per day. The research suggests that patients' withdrawal symptoms disappear with these higher doses and their cravings improve without harmful effects on the heart and circulation. Patient were carefully watched in these studies to make sure they were doing well and were not becoming ill or having any problems. This is still a new procedure that should be considered only with a doctor's guidance and supervision.