Nicotine Replacement Therapy

What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy?

According to the American Heart Association, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a safe, effective way to quit smoking.

NRT comes in the form of

• Patches
• Lozenges
• Gum
• Inhalers
• Nasal spray

Patches, lozenges, and gum are available over-the-counter. Inhalers and nasal sprays are prescription.

NRT works by replacing the nicotine that you normally get through smoking cigarettes. That way you can break the psychological habit of smoking, then work on reducing the amount of nicotine you get so you can finally un-addict yourself.

Using NRT helps reduce the withdrawal symptoms you get when you quit smoking. Withdrawal symptoms are a large part of what keeps smokers addicted. With less severe withdrawal symptoms, you have a much better chance of staying off cigarettes.

How Do You Use NRT?

If you’re using an over-the-counter product, follow the instructions exactly. If you’re using inhalers or sprays, then do what your doctor says.

Generally, you use NRT for at least 12 weeks.

You don’t want to smoke when you’re using NRT. The way NRT works is to supply you with the nicotine you need. If you smoke you’ll be getting too much.

You don’t want to use NRT when you’re pregnant. Also, if you have heart disease. Considering all of this, it would be advisable to talk with a doctor when starting an NRT program. You’ll want to make sure you tell the doctor about any medical problems you have, or might have.

Is NRT Safe?

There are possible side effects. Again, you’ll want to talk with your doctor about this. You would not want to wear a nicotine patch while doing an MRI, for instance. It can cause a burn.

How Do You Quit The NRT?

The great thing about NRT is it’s a controlled dosage of nicotine. So, what you generally do is start reducing the amount of nicotine you get after a few weeks on the program.

Because smoking is a physical as well as a psychological addiction, you’ll have even better results if you combine NRT with counseling. The NRT can help with the physical addiction. The counseling can help you overcome the psychological addiction.

Conclusion

Nicotine Replacement Therapy can double your chances of quitting. Doctors have a lot of experience with it. NRT is definitely worth considering as a way of quitting smoking.

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