Smoking cessation is a difficult process, as the body is likely to experience withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms include cravings to smoke, irritability, restlessness, increased hunger, and difficulty sleeping.
In line with this, research here reveals that there are different kinds of interventions used to aid tobacco cessation. Among the most common are pharmacotherapy initiatives that use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
NRTs are a family of products used to address smoking withdrawal symptoms by delivering a small and controlled amount of nicotine without the other harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. These come in different smokeless forms like gum, lozenges, pouches, patches, nasal spray, and even inhalers.
That said, it’s important to choose the best NRT that is compatible with your lifestyle and your cessation goals and accommodates your health. Here, we listed some of the things to consider to help you choose the right NRT product for you.
Accessibility of NRT
Since there are a lot of NRT types available on the market, one of the easiest ways to narrow down your choices is by considering the accessibility of procuring these products. Most NRT products like gum, pouches, lozenges, and patches can be bought over-the-counter in pharmacies, but you also have the option of ordering them online.
In most cases, retailers also sell NRT products from different brands, so you can easily choose the one that best suits your preferences.
On the other hand, nicotine nasal sprays and inhalers require a prescription from a doctor before you can purchase them. While this may seem like a hassle, consulting with a doctor beforehand can make it easier to find the right dosage for your body to mitigate your withdrawal symptoms effectively.
Nicotine Strength
NRTs were designed to help wean a person off their dependence on cigarettes and prevent cravings, which is why these products come in different nicotine strengths. To illustrate, long-term or heavy smokers benefit from using NRTs with stronger content since their bodies are more accustomed to higher levels of nicotine.
This makes it easier to quit smoking, as they can gradually reduce the nicotine strength of the NRT they’re using before quitting altogether.
Various nicotine strengths can also be used to address different kinds of cravings. For example, most nicotine gum and lozenges come in lower nicotine strengths of 4mg, which is great for addressing sudden cravings as they’re consumed orally.
Alternatively, if you prefer a strong and steady dose, you can try transdermal patch options seen here, which come in 25mg strengths that slowly release the content through your skin to keep you satisfied throughout the day.
Additionally, some studies suggest that CBD oil may help manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. This research shows that CBD oil could be a promising alternative or complementary therapy for those looking to quit smoking.
Flavoring
Oral NRTs such as gum, lozenges, and pouches come in different flavors. These flavorings are usually incorporated for a more pleasant experience. This website highlights how spearmint nicotine pouches deliver a refreshing burst of flavor that’s perfect for those who have a preference for menthol products.
Spearmint is known for its more delicate flavor profile, but it also offers a soothing sensation that can satiate cravings. There’s also the added benefit of the spearmint freshening one’s breath, which is a common concern among smokers, too.
In line with this, fruit flavors are another popular choice for NRTs, as these taste similar to candy and are perfect for those with an oral fixation on sweets. Rather than reaching for a sugary treat that can actually heighten cigarette cravings, you can instead opt for products like these, which offer a unique flavor by mixing banana, pineapple, oranges, and strawberry.
Potential Side Effects
Before obtaining NRTs, it’s also essential to consider the potential side effects of different products. For example, NRTs with higher doses may cause sleep disruptions as nicotine is a stimulant.
In these cases, you may need to turn to sleep supplements, which our post explains can help you get a good night’s sleep despite outside factors.
Other NRTs, like nicotine gum, are known to cause dry mouth and dehydration, while nasal sprays and inhalers can cause throat irritation. It’s, therefore, important to check in with your doctor if the symptoms get worse so that they may recommend an appropriate NRT and dosage to avoid encountering more side effects when using these products.
If you are looking for an NRT, we hope the above article proves useful.
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