What is better nicotine patch or gum

These patches release nicotine into the bloodstream of the user, and the main objective is to reduce the craving for cigarettes.

According to manufacturers of patches, users can significantly increase the chances of giving up smoking. However, the results are not uniform and vary from one finding to another. There are some studies which suggest that the effectiveness is in the range of per cent and this may not be what the doctor would have ordered.

Nicotine patches have attracted quite a bit of research, and the studies pertain to medical uses and various other benefits. Research also has been done on older people, and some findings are quite impressive. Delivery of nicotine without resorting to inhaled smoking could reduce the risk of addiction quite significantly.

Further, unlike smoking, withdrawal symptoms are almost non-existent on patients who used these nicotine patches to overcome the desire to smoke. Though there are many NRTs today, nicotine gum was perhaps the first. It came into the market during the mids. It is now available over the counter across the world. In many countries, even children 12 years of age are seen using these nicotine gums. They come in different flavors, including candy and fruit.

The nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream through the soft tissues locating in various parts of the mouth. The first few minutes come with a tingle, and it continues until the gum loses its potency. It is similar to Swedish snus. Snus is considered very safe when compared to smoking.

Opinions are also divided as far as chewing of nicotine gum is concerned. Speedy and improper chewing can lead to a rapid uptake of the entire dosage instead of controlled release.

On the other side of the spectrum, use off nicotine patches can improve the chances of cigarette quitting by more than five per cent, and it could go up to 8 per cent in some cases. Success rates are higher when it is combined with counselling or even medication like Zyban or both. Vaping is the latest and perhaps one of the most controversial products. And it also has been known to be very disruptive as far as smoking rates globally are concerned.

Vaping was first invented in China in , and it went to Europe in , and it was first seen in the USA in Not to mention that nicotine gum and nicotine patches may be stowed somewhere behind the checkout counter near the cigarettes. But your chances of successfully quitting smoking double when you reach for the patch, gum, lozenges, the inhaler, or the spray, so it's usually worth the effort to sort through the facts about NRTs and reach for at least one.

Department of Health and Human Services. But each method addresses a different combination of physical and psychological withdrawal. Start by assessing your own situation. Ask yourself how many cigarettes you smoke per day and the circumstances under which you generally decide to light up.

If you tend to panic at the first twinge of nicotine withdrawal, for instance, then the easy-to-grab gum may be your best option. On the other hand, if you happen to miss inhaling smoke, the inhaler might be right for you. Talk to your doctor about how you handled any previous attempts to quit and don't forget to consider physical conditions that may interfere with a particular type of NRT if you wear dentures, for instance, the gum won't work for you.

These questions may steer you toward one NRT in particular, or they may suggest a combo. Placed in the mouth like hard candy. Nicotine lozenges offer the same benefits of gum without chewing. If you want to quit with nicotine patches and gum or lozenges, there are 3 options for how to get them, how much you get and what it costs:.

Cartridge attached to a mouthpiece. Inhaling releases a specific amount of nicotine. Pump bottle containing nicotine. Similar to an inhaler, the spray releases a specific amount of nicotine. Can be helpful in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and irritability. May be used in combination with nicotine replacement therapy products like patches, gum and lozenges.

Reduces the severity of cravings and withdrawal symptoms—does not contain nicotine. Lessens sense of pleasure from tobacco. Should not be combined with other medications. The items above are available by prescription only. Check with your pharmacy for cost information. There can be side effects from quit medications. Side effects will vary from person to person. Common side effects from nicotine gum include bleeding gums, too much saliva, hiccups, indigestion, slight swelling of the mouth, injury to teeth or cheeks, nausea, upset stomach and sore throat.

Chew 1 piece every hours for the first 6 weeks of your quit. Be sure to use at least 9 pieces of Nicorette a day for the first 6 weeks of your quit. Stay with the full 12 week quit program to increase your chances of success. In some published studies, people have used nicotine gum up to five years, according to Richard Hurt, MD, professor of medicine and director of the Nicotine Dependence Center at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

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