Nicotine replacement therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a medically-approved way to take nicotine by means other than tobacco. It is used to help with quitting smoking or stopping chewing tobacco. It increases the chance of quitting smoking by about 50% to 70%. Often it is used along with other behavioral treatments.

Types

There are five types of NRT: the nicotine gum, nicotine patch, nicotine inhaler, nicotine nasal spray, and nicotine lozenge. People often use more than one type. They are okay for most people to use but people should check with their healthcare provider first.

Side effects

Side effects depend on the type of NRT that is used. With the gum, people may have an increased heart rate, upset stomach, or jaw pain. With the patch, people may have skin irritation and nightmares.

Effectiveness

NRT increases the rate of quitting smoking by 50% to 70%. It is more effective when used along with behavioral treatments. It is not clear if it works for those who smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes per day.

Safety

The safety of NRT is unclear in those with heart disease. It is likely safe in pregnancy. In those with poor blood flow to the legs or feet, the patch should not be used.

Society and culture

As of 2013, about 20% of people in the United States and United Kingdom use NRT as part of their attempt to quit smoking.

External links

• American Cancer Society Guide to Quitting Smoking

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