Stop Smoking Patches, Gum
and Lozenges
Stop smoking patches, gum, and lozenges are nicotine replacement therapies (NRT ‘s) which can be effective tools to help you to stop smoking. NRT ‘s help you to reduce your physical dependence to nicotine slowly over time, which helps to minimize withdrawal symptoms. All of these stop smoking products are U.S. FDA approved and are available over the counter (without a prescription).
Although, with these products you would still be taking nicotine, they are much safer than cigarettes. This is because you are not inhaling all of the other toxins, carcinogens, and
free radicals
found in cigarette smoke, and of course the goal is to be cigarette and nicotine free at the end of an 8-12 week period.
Stop smoking patches (aka Nicotine Patch)
General Information
The nicotine patch is put onto the directly skin every morning and releases a small dose of nicotine into the body all day (and night). You can buy stop smoking patches at drug stores under a variety of names. There are also different strength levels- so as time goes on you can slowly wean yourself to lower amounts of the nicotine. Most of the stop smoking patches are based on an 8-week program and have a free online/toll-free hotline support program.
Stop smoking patches cost from $2.50 - $4.00 per day - less than a pack of cigarettes in most parts of the country. (The drug store brands are typically about 20% less than the name brands.) If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), nicotine patches are FSA eligible, even though they do not require a prescription.
Success rates are hard to nail down but vary from 7% to 25% based on 12 weeks. This may not sound overly impressive, but these rates are much better than people who try and quit ‘cold turkey.’ Remember, the patches are just a tool; you have to want to quit smoking for the stop smoking patches to help you.
Side Effects
As with all stop smoking programs, this one many not be right for you and you should consult with your doctor prior to beginning. Most of the side effects associated with stop smoking patches are mild but individuals with skin sensitivities and/or reactions to adhesives should not use the nicotine patches. Additionally, you need to stop smoking right before you start using stop smoking patches – too much nicotine from a combination of cigarettes and nicotine patches can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia and rapid heart rates.
Stop Smoking Gum (aka Nicotine Gum)
General Information
The stop smoking gum is chewed and then placed between the gums and the check when you have the urge to smoke. It is then released into the bloodstream from the lining in the mouth. It does take a minute long to be received by the brain that a puff on a cigarette but is much healthier.
You can buy stop smoking gum at drug stores under a variety of names. The gum comes in a variety of flavors allowing you to pick a taste you prefer – and several kinds include a teeth whiting system in the gum. There are also two different strength levels that are FDA approved
(4 mg and 2 mg). As time goes, you chew less and less pieces of gum each day until you are not likely to need an additional nicotine support. Most of the brands are based on a 12-week program and have a free online/toll-free hotline support program. However, for the best results you need to follow the directions properly including not drink/eating 15 minutes prior to or after chewing the gum.
The cost of stop smoking gum ranges from $3.50 - $6.50 per day depending on how many pieces you chew per day. (The drug store brands are typically about 25% less than the name brands but do seem to have fewer flavors available.) Like the stop smoking patches, nicotine gum is FSA eligible.
Success rates are hard to nail down, but vary from 9% to 18% based on 12 and 24 weeks. Many people have reported that they prefer the gum to the nicotine patches, because it satisfies the oral fixation they miss when they stop smoking cigarettes.
Side Effects
As with all stop smoking programs, this one many not be right for you and you should consult with your doctor prior to beginning. Most of the side effects associated with stop smoking gum are mild and do not cause individuals to quit – most commonly teeth sensitivity. The gum should not be swallowed either since it can cause upset stomach and other digestive issues. It may be difficult for people with a lot of dental work including dentures to use because the gum can stick to the work and cause damage. Those individuals with dental work may want to consider stop smoking lozenges or other methods. Additionally, you need to stop smoking right before you start stop smoking gum – too much nicotine from a combination of cigarettes and nicotine gum can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia and rapid heart rates.
Stop Smoking Lozenges
General Information
The stop smoking lozenges are the newest of the over-the-counter nicotine replacement products (NRT). The lozenges are in hard candy form; and ,like the stop smoking gum, are found in a variety of flavors.
The nicotine contained in the lozenge is then released into the bloodstream from the lining in the mouth. It does take about a minute for the nicotine to reach the brain. You can buy stop smoking lozenges at drug stores under a variety of names. There are also two different strength levels that are FDA approved (4 mg and 2 mg). As time goes, you use fewer and fewer lozenges each day for approximately 12 weeks. If you can not stop after 12-weeks, it is time to consult a physician for other means to stop smoking. Most of the brands are based on a 12-week program and have a free online/toll-free hotline support program.
Some people prefer the stop smoking lozenges over the other NRT ‘s, because they help satisfy the oral fixation like the gum; but they either prefer not to chew, or have trouble chewing the gum due to dental issues. The stop smoking lozenges cost from $3.00 - $6.50 per day depending on how many pieces a day you use. (The drug store brands are typically about 25% less than the name brands but do seem to have fewer flavors available.) Like the other NRT ‘s, nicotine lozenges are FSA eligible despite the fact that they are not a prescription medication.
Success rates vary but range from 9% to 18% based on 12 and 24 weeks studies. For the best success, you also need to follow the guides for use as recommended on the packaging.
Side Effects
Most of the side effects associated with stop smoking lozenges are mild and do not cause individuals to quit. These side effects include throat irritation, sore gums/teeth and indigestion. Biting or chewing of the lozenges caused the nicotine to release more rapidly and causing heartburn, upset stomach and other digestive issues. Additionally, as with all NRT ‘s, you need to stop smoking before you start using the stop smoking lozenges. Too much nicotine from a combination of cigarettes and stop smoking lozenges can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia and rapid heart rates.
Additional Stop Smoking Programs
Stop Smoking Medications
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Stop Smoking Inhaler and Nasal Spray
A review of the FDA approved stop smoking inhaler and nasal spray including how and why they work, who they are best for and possible side effects.
Stop Smoking Injections
A review of the stop smoking injections (also called the stop smoking shot) including their uses, how they work, success rates and side effects.
Acupuncture to Stop Smoking - A Natural Aid
A review of acupuncture to stop smoking including how it works, how much it cost, how long it takes and resources to find a licensed acupuncturist.
Stop Smoking Laser Treatments
Is it right for you? How does it work, how long does it take, how much does it cost, what are the success rates and what are the side effects.
Learn to Stop Smoking
Learn to Stop Smoking – Why you should stop, breaking the habit, the physiological and psychological addictions, symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and medication and programs that are available.
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