Quitting smoking is not easy. A look at the enormous market devoted to helping smokers quit the habit shows just how difficult it is. The primary category of smoking cessation products is nicotine replacement therapy. These products give the smoker a dose of nicotine but without exposure to the harmful substances contained in tobacco. In doing so, they work to reduce the craving for nicotine and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved five smoking cessation products: the nicotine patch, nicotine gum, nicotine inhalers, nicotine lozenges and nicotine nasal sprays.
According to the American Cancer Society, no one product works better than the other. What makes it effective is how fitting the product is to the individual's lifestyle and how committed the person is to quitting. Also, nicotine replacement products target the physical dependence of smoking; they do not work to alter the emotional or psychological factors that may play a role in a person's decision to smoke. Research has shown that when nicotine replacement therapies are combined with a behavioral modification program, the chances of quitting success nearly doubles.
It is estimated that 25 percent to approximately 33 percent of smokers who quit with the aid of a smoking cessation medicine remain smoke-free for 6 months or more.
Other products include hypnosis, acupuncture, herbs, supplements and anticholinergics, which are drugs that are given as an injection to reduce the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. These additional products have not been supported with any conclusive evidence that they are successful at helping smokers quit.
Tobacco lozenges, nicotine-infused lollipops, water and lip balms have not been approved by the FDA. Therefore their safety and effectiveness cannot be substantiated.
What to Look for
Do the necessary research and education to help you determine what the right smoking cessation product is for you. One important factor to consider is that just because one product helped your friend quit smoking, it does not mean that it will reward you with the same success.
There are a lot of different nicotine replacement therapies to choose from and they all differ from each other. Even though all of the nicotine replacement therapies can be started as soon as you put out that last cigarette, some are more effective for light smokers while some are better for heavy smokers.
Also consider your own personality: If you are someone who needs to keep your hands and mouth occupied, choosing the nicotine lozenge or the nicotine inhaler be a fitting match for you. On the other hand, if you prefer to just take your therapy once a day and be done with it, then choosing a once-daily product or therapy like the nicotine patch might work better for you.
Other factors to weigh are your own health and your health insurance coverage. Nicotine gum and lozenges are sugar-free so if you are diabetic, check with your doctor first. Inhalers and sprays require a doctor prescription while patches, gum and lozenges do not.
It is strongly advised that you discuss your decision to quit smoking with your doctor before starting any smoking cessation therapy.
Common Pitfalls
All smoking cessation products come with their own side effects. Some of these side effects can be easily tolerated while others can be detrimental to your health. Make sure that you are informed of the side effects that each of the products carries before taking them.
For instance, if you have skin allergies or sensitivities, the skin patch may not be a good choice for you. Moreover, nicotine gum is not an appropriate product for someone with Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ disorders) or those who have dentures. Side effects from the nasal sprays include sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes. If you are prone to nasal or sinus infections or have allergies, the nasal spray is not an appropriate option for you. If you have asthma, you should talk to your doctor about using the nicotine inhaler as it carries the side effects of throat and mouth irritation and coughing.
Also, women who are pregnant should not use nicotine replacement therapies. If you have a history of heart disease, it is necessary to use these therapies under the constant watch of your doctor. There is data to suggest that there is some risk to taking these drugs with a prior cardiovascular condition.
Moreover, since all of the nicotine replacement therapies contain nicotine, starting them while still smoking may put you at risk for overdosing on nicotine. Therefore, it is always best to work with your doctor as you begin your quitting program to prevent any adverse effects.
Use caution when considering any therapy that has not been approved by the FDA. Its claims cannot be backed or supported by scientific research.
