What is available to help you Quit cigarettes?

Quitting starts in the mind. Making the decision is the most important part.

It is absolutely possible to quit without using any of these options.

However, it is good to know these are available to support you if you feel you require them.

Your determination and dedicated effort is the most important tool.

Nicotine replacement; gum,lozenges,inhalator, mouth spray

They act quick and are suitable if your highly dependent on cigarettes(smoke more than 10 a day or smoke within an hour of waking up).

They are recommended for 2-3 months use to help you manage withdrawal.

Don’t use while smoking.

GUM:

  • Releases nicotine for absorption through the membrane lining of your mouth.

  • Chew without any food or drinks.

  • To maximize on the benefit, chew it intermittently and let it rest under your tongue.

  • Cut down on the gum as withdrawal effects improve.

  • Chew when craving a smoke

  • Effects last about 3 hours.

  • The amount you need depends on how soon you usually smoke after waking up.

  • Side effect of nicotine gum; heart burn, pain in the jaw from chewing, nausea

LOZENGES:

  • They also release nicotine into the mouth lining for absorption in the blood.

  • Roll them around the mouth.

  • Don’t eat or drink at the same time while using them to improve absorption.

  • Typically used every 2-3 hours as needed.

INHALER:

  • It’s a cigarette shaped device.

  • Take frequent shallow puffs to release the nicotine.

  • Can be used to help to manage side effects up to 5 months.

  • The effect of one inhalator can last up to an hour.

  • Side effects of the inhaler; irritated throat or mouth

MOUTH SPRAY:

  • Spray directly under the tongue to release nicotine.

  • Consult your doctor if your pregnant or had a recent heart attack.

Nicotine patch

It provides a steady dose of nicotine through the skin into the blood.

You can start using the patch before your quit date to help you cut back on the number of cigarettes you're smoking.

The dose of the patch you need depends on if you smoke more or less than 10 cigarettes a day.

The effects last about a day before changing.

They can help to manage the symptoms of withdrawal even when hospitalized.

They can be combined with the oral forms above to improve success especially, if one form of replacement is not sufficient.

Side effects of the patch; lack of sleep (avoid using it at night if you're worried about this), rash or redness on skin

Medication

There are 3 or more tablets available in the market to help in quitting.

They can be started while still smoking as long as there is a definite quit date.

They are typically used for 3months during which you should quit. If you can quit immediately, it is even better.

They have different side effects.

Varenicline- not ideal for anyone with mental illness, heart or lung disease. It can affect your sleep (You can avoid using it in the evening if worried about this)

Bupropion/Zyban- not ideal for anyone with an eating disorder or history of seizures.

Nortriptyline- side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, urine retention, constipation among others

Speak to your doctor about the different kinds of tablets.