Medications
...Research shows that using NRT doubles your chances of successfully giving up...
Nicotine Replacement Therapies
There are lots of types of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products available. They work by helping you to manage your withdrawal symptoms. NRT goes into your body differently to nicotine from cigarettes so is much less addictive and of course doesn't cause cancer.
NRT is available on prescription. Always follow the instructions and ask your doctor, pharmacist or Adviser if there is anything you are unsure of. You can buy NRT over the counter in pharmacies or in supermarkets and shops.
Another product that might help you is Zyban, a non-nicotine based tablet.
NRT Products
Nicotine gum gives you nicotine on demand. Nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth when you chew the gum. A chew-rest-chew routine is best, because any nicotine you swallow is wasted. Hold the gum in your cheeks in between chews.
Nicotine patches work by giving you a constant supply of nicotine. You can get 16 and 24 hour patches. the 24 hour patch means you won't get cravings and is useful if you normally get up to smoke in the night. The 16 hour patch is ideal for most regular smokers. Move the patch daily to avoid skin irritation.
Microtabs are small tablets containing nicotine that dissolves under your tongue. You should not suck, chew or swallow the microtab as this will reduce the amount of nicotine you get.
Lozenges are like a sweet that you suck slowly. The lozenge gives you nicotine in a similar way to the microtab.
Nicotine nasal spray is the strongest form of NRT available. The nicotine gets into your body through the lining of your nose. Nicotine taken in this way is absorbed fast, so nasal sprays are especially suited to people experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms or who have high nicotine dependence. The spray can irritate the nose at first.
Inhalators are a plastic device shaped like a cigarette with a nicotine cartridge fitted into them. Sucking on the mouthpiece releases nicotine vapour which gets absorbed into you mouth and throat. Inhalators are useful for people who miss he hand-to-mouth action of smoking.
Varenicline* (Champix ▼**) Patient Information
Varenicline (Champix ▼) is a new drug that helps people stop smoking by reducing withdrawal symptoms when you stop smoking and the urges you might get to continue smoking.
It is only available if you are regularly attending the Norfolk NHS Stop Smoking Service. Although it will make stopping easier it is not a ‘magic cure’ and you will still need a lot of determination and willpower.
Current knowledge suggests that varenicline does not interact with other medicines but it is still a good idea to tell your Stop Smoking Advisor if you are on any other medication.
- Dosage and Administration
Start one week before quit date. Take with or after meals with a glass of water.
Recommended dose:
Days 1-3: 0.5mg once daily
Days 4-7: 0.5mg twice daily
Day 8 – end of treatment (12 weeks): 1mg twice daily
Patients who cannot tolerate adverse effects (e.g. nausea) can have the dose lowered temporarily or permanently.
Varenicline is not recommended in the following groups
- Smokers with severe kidney malfunction
- Smokers under the age of 18
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
Varenicline has not been tested in patients who experience epilepsy and mental health issues, therefore caution is advised. - Side effects are usually mild but can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence/Bloating
- Sleeplessness
- Abnormal Dreams
As this is a new drug if you experience any other problems while taking this drug you will need to let your Stop Smoking Advisor or your doctor or pharmacist know as soon as possible.
You should also take care when driving or operating machinery until you know what effects varenicline has as it may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
When you stop taking varenicline you may experience increased irritability, an urge to smoke, depression and/or insomnia (noted in up to 3% of patients). Please make an appointment to see your Advisor when stopping the medication in order to check the withdrawal process.
[* Varenicline is the drug’s proper name ** Champix ▼ is the brand name]
Zyban
Zyban is a non-nicotine tablet which works by reducing your desire to smoke and your withdrawal symptoms. It is very effective and a course lasts a couple of months but you should be prepared to stop smoking during the second week.
It is only available on prescription and is not suitable for everyone so you will need to talk through the options with your doctor or one of our Advisers.