The main reason people can’t quit smoking is because nicotine in tobacco products are highly addicttive.
Once a smoker stops smoking, they may experience short-term discomfort when the nicotine inside their body starts to be metabolised. These symptoms are called "withdrawal symptoms". Common withdrawal symptoms include:
Withdrawal symptoms experienced by quitters vary from person to person. These symptoms usually peak in the first week after quitting and then gradually decline in 2-3 weeks. Some people may even experience no symptoms at all.
Medications help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and they are proven to increase the success rate of quitting. They can be divided into two categories: nicotine replacement therapy (“NRT”) and non-nicotine medication.
Nicotine replacement therapy (“NRT”) is an effective and safe aid for smoking cessation. NRT can ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings to smoke. It is available in different types and formulae. They are available through the smoking cessation services for free. Some can be purchased over-the-counter from pharmacies.
Most people can use NRT including:
Patients with severe angina, serious cardiac arrhythmias or individuals suffering from acute myocardial event in the recent two weeks should consult their doctors before using NRT.
If you have questions about whether you can use NRT, you can always give us a call, or consult your doctor.
There are different types of NRT suitable for needs of different quitters. Correct usage is critical for their effectiveness in helping you quit. The following are their detailed information and their directions of use:
Chewing nicotine gum is different from chewing ordinary gum. Nicotine gum should be chewed slowly until a strong taste is released, then you should “park” it against the inside of your cheek. The drug will be absorbed through the mucous membrane of the mouth. When the taste gradually becomes lighter, chew slowly again – repeat the process until the gum becomes tasteless.
Nicotine gum is available in different dosages. Healthcare professionals or pharmacists should be consulted for the appropriate dosage and regimen. Users should also read the drug information leaflet carefully before use.
Nicotine patches give a measured dose of nicotine through the skin. Patches should be placed directly on bare skin and not through a layer of clothing. Nicotine patch is available in different dosages. Healthcare professionals or pharmacists should be consulted for the appropriate dosage and regimen. Users should also read the drug information leaflet carefully before use.
Nicotine lozenges are candy-like and sugar-free, similar to normal lozenges. Unlike normal lozenges, however, you do not chew or swallow the nicotine lozenge. It is absorbed through the mouth and slowly released into your body.
Nicotine lozenge is available in different dosages. Healthcare professionals or pharmacists should be consulted for the appropriate dosage and regimen. Users should also read the drug information leaflet carefully before use.
NRT is very safe and is suitable for most smokers. There are known side effects. but only very few people experience them. In many cases, these side effects are caused by incorrect use of NRT. If you have any questions about NRT, give us a call. The side effects of NRT and ways to manage them are as follows:
This is usually reported in people who use nicotine patches. Rotation of patch around different sites on your body will help.
This is usually reported in people who use nicotine patches overnight. You can take off the 24-hour patch at night or switch to the 16-hour patch.
This is usually reported in people who use nicotine gum or lozenges incorrectly. It is important to “park and chew” the nicotine gum as this reduces the amount of nicotine you swallow. It is also important to suck on the nicotine lozenge slowly instead of biting or swallowing it whole.
Drink plenty of water and incorporate daily exercises during the day into your routine.
Side effects of NRT are generally mild and will subside over time, but if you are experiencing continuous discomfort, consult your doctor.
Varenicline is one of the most effective drugs for smoking cessation. It contains no nicotine and is highly effective in minimising cigarette cravings. In Hong Kong it requires a doctor’s prescription to obtain the drug. You may get it for free through our smoking cessation services.