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Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Posted Jan 15 2009 7:49pm

NRT is a great tool to use when quitting smoking or chewing. Quitting isn’t easy, so the extra help is good. It’s not recommended that you don’t use NRT if you’re pregnant or have a heart condition. NRT is really best for those that smoke more than 15 cigarettes per day. It’s always best to consult your doctor before you use any medication.

NRT comes in many different forms, some over the counter and others by prescriptions only. Here are a few:

  • Nicotine Gum/ Lozenge- releases nicotine into your mouth
  • Nicotine Patch – slowly releases nicotine through the skin into the blood stream

By prescription:

  • Nicotine Inhaler – good for those that may miss the hand to mouth movements and the act of inhaling
  • Nasal Spray – works like any decongestant spray, gives you a quick dose of nicotine
  • Bupropion (sold with the name Zyban) – medication that doesn’t contain nicotine, but helps to reduce symptoms of withdraw

You might need to try several to see what works best for you or you may need to use a combination of them. There are some side affects of using, but most are mild. If you have a serious react to the medication, stop using it immediately and always follow the directions on the box.

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