Nicotine
Gum Nicotine
gum is available as Nicorette®
gum and also in generic forms. A prescription is not required. Nicorette®
is available in two strengths (2 mg and 4 mg) in original, mint, and
orange flavors.
You
will want to use approximately one piece every one to two hours. Do not
exceed 24 pieces a day. Please
consult your health care provider first if you are pregnant or have any
chronic medical problems. How
do I use the gum? Don’t
eat or drink (except water) for 15 minutes before you use the gum. Take a few slow bites of the gum until you notice either a tingling sensation or the gum's distinct, peppery taste. You will then want to park the gum between your cheek and gums so that the nicotine can be absorbed. The peppery taste or tingle should fade. You will then take a few more bites until it starts to work again. You will then park the gum in another part of your mouth. Continue to do this until the peppery taste stops coming back.
Remember to properly dispose your used gum
in a receptacle away from small children
and pets.
Nicotine
Patch Nicotine patches release a constant amount of nicotine into the body. Nicoderm CQ® and Nicotrol® are available without a prescription. There are also generic forms of nicotine patches available at local drug stores. Nicoderm
CQ® patch This
patch is available in three strengths (7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg). The strength
that you choose depends on the number of cigarettes you smoke a day.
Nicoderm offers a "step-down" process designed to wean yourself
off nicotine. ·
If you
smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes a day, you will want to start with a patch
dose of 14 mg once a day. ·
People who
smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day generally need to start with the 21 mg
patch and then switch to the 14 mg patch after approximately 6 weeks.
After two weeks of the 14 mg patch, you will taper to the 7 mg patch. Heavy smokers may need a higher strength than the above
regimen. Ask
your health care professional for details. Side effects of nicotine patches may include skin irritation,
racing heartbeat, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Do
not use the patch if you have allergies to adhesive tape. Please consult your health
care provider first if you have chronic medical problems, heart problems,
or are pregnant. How do I use it? The Nicoderm CQ® patch is applied on a dry, clean, non-hairy area of skin
each morning. Press firmly for 10 seconds. You will keep the patch on for
16-24 hours. If you normally have early morning cravings, you may want to
wear the patch for the full 24 hours. Otherwise, take the patch off at
bedtime. Rotate the sites where you apply the patch. Remember to wash your
hands after applying the patch, and dispose of used patches properly. Nicotrol® patch This brand is available in a 15 mg patch. It is worn for 16 hours while you are awake. It is not intended to deliver nicotine while you sleep. How do I use it? The Nicotrol® patch is applied once every morning on a
clean, dry, hairless area of the arm or hip. Press firmly for 10 seconds.
It needs to be removed at bedtime. Remember to wash your hands after
applying the patch. Dispose of used patches properly so that children and
pets do not pick it up.
Nicotine Inhaler (Nicotrol®) This resembles a plastic cigarette holder. It comes with a
number of nicotine-containing cartridges. The nicotine is mostly absorbed
through the mouth, not the lungs. It is available only by prescription. Side effects may
include upset stomach, coughing, and irritation of the mouth and throat.
Nasal spray (Nicotrol NS®) This rapidly provides a dose of nicotine. It can be used if
you experience cravings and want quick relief. It is available only by
prescription. Side effects may include nasal, mouth, and throat
irritation.
Nicotine lozenge (Commit™)
This is the latest form of nicotine replacement approved by the FDA. It comes in the form of a lozenge (2mg and 4 mg) which delivers nicotine through the mouth. It is available without a prescription.
To learn more about the Commit lozenge™, go to the manufacturer's website (http://commitlozenge.quit.com)
Zyban® (Bupropion HCL) Zyban® is thought to work on receptors in the brain to
decrease both cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It takes days before the medication achieves adequate levels
in your body. Therefore, it doesn't work immediately after you start
taking it. How do I take it? You will want to set a "quit date". The "quit
date" should be sometime 8-14 days after you start the Zybanâ. You
will take one 150 mg pill once daily for the first three days. You can
take it with or without food. The dosage
is then increased to one pill twice a day after the first three days.
Allow at least 8 hours between doses. You will want to schedule the second
dose four hours (or more) before you go to sleep. You will then stop
smoking on your self-designated "quit day" (usually anytime 8-14
days after you start Zyban®). After you stop smoking, you will continue
to take the Zyban® twice a day as prescribed. The recommended length of therapy is 7-12 weeks. However,
some people may need more. Follow your healthy care professional's
recommendations. He or she may suggest a slightly different regimen than
the one above.
Zyban® can be used in addition to nicotine replacement therapy. If you combine the nicotine patch with Zyban®, your health care provider will want to check your blood pressure regularly. Side effects may include sleep disturbances, anxiety, decreased appetite, and dry mouth. Zybanâ is not recommended for people who have a history of seizures, anorexia, or bulimia. It is not recommended for pregnant women.
last updated 11/29/2006
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