Tobacco Medication

• NRT does work. NRT can double a smoker’s chances of quitting smoking.* The likelihood of staying quit for more than six months is increased when a smoker uses NRT according to the directions.*
• The nicotine found in NRT is regulated by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).* The amount of nicotine in NRT is less than in cigarettes and it is delivered more slowly.* NRT products have a much lower risk of addiction than cigarettes.
• NRT does reduce withdrawal symptoms associated with cigarette smoking. However, it may not completely eliminate them. The symptoms most helped by NRT include: irritability, frustration, anger, craving, hunger, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and insomnia.* NRT achieves the best results when combined with a personal quit plan.
• The effect of NRT on the body is not known, but NRT products are safer than cigarettes. The negative health effects of cigarettes are proven.* Of the 4,000 chemicals found in tobacco smoke, over 60 are known to cause cancer.* By using NRT to quit smoking you reduce your exposure to many chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
• NRT products can be used alone or in combination.* Talk to your doctor before doing so.
• Over time the cost of NRT is less expensive than the cost of cigarettes. NRT is generally used for limited time, whereas cigarettes are typically consumed many years*
  
• Under the direction of your doctor most people can use NRT. Generally. NRT can be safely used by people with diabetes or high blood pressure and does not increase the risk of heart attacks.* Talk with your doctor to determine if NRT is the right choice for your quit plan.

* references from National Cancer Institute

Bupropion HCL: The "smoking cessation pill" is designed to be started about two weeks before you quit. This helps decrease cravings for nicotine before you quit and withdrawal symptoms after you quit.

Nicotine Replacement Medications: Start the gum, patch or nasal spray on your "quit day" to help decrease withdrawal cravings. Never smoke while using these products! It causes nicotine overdose.

Nicotine Patch comes in 21mg, 14mg, and 7mg packages. It delivers a constant low level of nicotine through the skin into the blood stream. The patch is used for 10-12 weeks gradually stepping down.

Nicotine gum is a type of chewing gum that delivers nicotine to the body. The nicotine is delivered to the blood stream via absorption by the tissues of the mouth.

The gum may be helpful to those who want to control when and how much nicotine is used. It can also be helpful to those who want something that requires activity, It has been a good strategy for those quitting dip or chew tobacco.

Nicorette Gum by Smith Kline Beecham

A nicotine lozenge is a hard candy-like tablet that contains a small dose of nicotine. The nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth and goes into the blood.

Nicotine nasal spray is a nasal spray that contains a small dose of nicotine, which enters the blood by being absorbed through the lining of the nose.

A nicotine inhaler consists of a mouth piece and a plastic cartridge delivering 4mg of nicotine from a porous plug containing 10mg nicotine. The cartridge is inserted into the mouthpiece prior to use.

Zyban is also known as bupropion or Wellbutrin. The "smoking cessation pill" is designed to be started 1 to 2 weeks before quitting tobacco.

CHANTIX is a non-nicotine prescription medicine specifically designed to help adults 18 years and older quit smoking. CHANTIX works in two ways. It targets nicotine receptors in the brain, attaches to them, and blocks nicotine from reaching them. It is believed the CHANTIX also activates these receptors, causing a reduced release of dopamine compared to nicotine.

The smokefree.gov website has a wealth of information that may help you kick the tobacco habit.

The Medication Guide was created to provide you with a general understanding of the current medications used by smokers who are trying to quit. The guide may not describe every product available. All of these medicines have been shown to be useful for helping smokers quit. There is no one best medicine for all smokers.

Always read the instructions on the package carefully and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions. Dosing information provided in descriptions of these products is intended only to illustrate typical use of these medications. Individual dosing for prescription medications must be determined by a physician. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a severe medical problem, talk with your doctor before starting any new medication.

Medication Guide

Please check with your physician or pharmacist concerning the use of these products.