Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and Quit Smoking
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The basis of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is to substitute the nicotine in the cigarette, preventing a sudden drop in concentration of nicotine in the body. This in turn lessens the withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings.
There are a few types such as nicotine gum, inhaler, lozenges or patches, all available over the counter pharmacy outlets, without a prescription. Embarking on NRT requires commitment as each regimen lasts for a few weeks. This involves starting from a higher dose of nicotine as recommended by your pharmacist, which then tapers down u til you are weaned off cigarettes.
Do not that nicotine gum is not suitable for those with dentures while nicotine patches may not be the best choice for more hirsute people. The inhaler may be better for smokers whoare used to the hand-to-mouth action of smoking.
Read more about Stop Smoking at Shine……..
Most pharmacies provide a customised quit smoking plan which includes a personal consultation with a pharmacist who will assist you with a serious of questions, including the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire (check below for the questionnaire), to determine your level of incotine addiction, frequency, dependence and smoking pattern. Any underlying medical problems will be noted and if necessary, a suitable NRT product will be recommended.
If NRT does not work, what else?
If NRT does not work for you, you may consider prescriptive drugs such as Buproprion Hydrochloride, which need to be started 1-2 weeks before the actual quit date.
Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire
How many cigarettes do you smoke per day?
(a) 10 or less – 0 points
(b) 11 – 12 – 1 point
(c) 21 – 30 – 2 points
(d) 31 or more – 3 points
How soon after you wake up do you smoke your first cigarette?
(a) 0 – 5 min – 3 points
(b) 6 – 30 min – 2 points
(c) 31 – 60 min – 1 point
(d) after 60 min – 0 point
Do you find it difficult to refrain from smoking in places where smoking is not allowed (eg hospitals, government offices, cinemas, libraries, etc)?
(a) Yes – 1 point
(b) No – 0 point
Do you smoke more during the first hours after waking up than during the rest of the day??
(a) Yes – 1 point
(b) No – 0 point
Which cigarette would you be the most unwilling to give up??
(a) First in the morning – 1 point
(b) Any of the others – 0 point
Do you smoke even when you are very ill??
(a) Yes – 1 point
(b) No – 0 point
Score 0 – 3 = Low nicotine dependence
Score 4 – 6 = Medium nicotine dependence
Score 7 – 10 = High nicotine dependence
Articles taken from Healthy Times Magazine issue 23
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