A Brief About Nicotine Patches and Nicotine Chewing Gum

The information about detrimental aspects of smoking is now becoming rather commonplace, and there are an increasing number of smokers who now want to quit. The negative effects of smoking on one’s health are many and some of these include cancers of the mouth, larynx, lungs, pancreas, cervix, and bladders, as well as strokes, heart attacks, bronchitis, and emphysema.

Why is Quitting Smoking So Hard? E-Liquids
Tobacco contains nicotine, which is known to be an addictive substance. Nicotine dependency can lead to a smoker experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the smoker does not receive his regular nicotine fix; and this can lead to insomnia, irritability, restlessness, headaches, etc. Besides, quitting smoking can also be difficult because lifestyle changes are generally a part of most quitting smoking efforts.

The Help at Hand:
While quitting cold turkey is an option, a smoker walking on this path can face various roadblocks on the way. However, there are various options available when it comes to quitting smoking, and one method that allows a smoker to quit while continually reducing the amount of nicotine that the body receives is ‘nicotine replacement therapy’ (NRT). These therapies work by supplying the body with a controlled supply of nicotine without many of the risks associated with smoking. In doing so, the withdrawal symptoms are eased, and in cases when smokers are truly addicted to nicotine, this method does increase the chances of quitting.

NRT Options:
There are various options in looking for NRTs, and these include various brands of nicotine patches, chewing gum, inhalators, nasal sprays, lozenges, and tablets. Amongst the most commonly used forms include the patches and the chewing gum. In both these cases, the dosage would wary from brand to brand, as the nicotine mg present in each product can be different. You can also get patches and gum from the same brand in different nicotine mg content.

Nicotine Patches:
If you are thinking about options in looking for a nicotine patch, do know that there are several brands that manufacture nicotine patches, some of which include Nicoderm, Nicorette, Nicotinell, and QuitX. A nicotine replacement patch is a transdermal patch that releases a steady flow of nicotine into the body through the skin. People using these patches are asked to refrain from smoking as this could lead to the body receiving an overdose of nicotine.

These patches should ideally be used along with relevant counselling, and counselling for quitting smoking is quite easy to come by. Also realize that using patches is not recommended for brief periods such as long plane trips, as they aren’t to be used as a replacement for cigarettes. You have to understand that even though you are using these patches, you still need the will power to wean off the habit. So while the patches would help you with the physical withdrawal symptoms, you still have to overcome the psychological aspects.

Using a Nicotine Patch:
Using a nicotine patch is fairly straightforward. The patch needs to be applied over a clean and dry area of skin which is devoid of hair. The patch needs to be applied firmly in order to keep it in its place, and washing hands after applying the patch is advised. Also advised is going through the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly as different patches are known to be left on the skin for different lengths of time and come in different volumes of nicotine content.

Side Effects of Nicotine Patches:
Many of the commonly seen side effects associated with the use of nicotine patches are similar to the withdrawal symptoms linked to nicotine dependency, and these include disturbed sleep, irritability, restlessness, and headaches, along with mild depression, mild hallucinations, and vivid dreams. A patch user could also experience skin irritability at the spot of application, and these are generally allergies to materials/adhesives used in the patch. If the skin irritability does not subside after using in patch in different regions, consulting a doctor is advised. You should also seek a doctor’s advice if you experience difficulty in breathing, tremors, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, or increased nervousness. Signs of nicotine overdose include dizziness, vomiting, drooling, weakness, blurred vision, etc.

Leave a Reply


Related Post