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What is the Best Way to Stop Smoking?
Do you want to quit smoking? You can quit permanently by using quit-smoking products approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the United Kingdom. There is a large likelihood of success for quitting smoking when you use quit-smoking products alongside lifestyle changes. Keep reading to find out the best quit smoking products.
Using one or more products in conjunction with counselling will increase your chances of success.
Types of best quit smoking products
There are two main categories of stop smoking products:
- Nicotine replacement products. These include patches, gum, lozenges, sprays and inhalers. Even though you do not need a prescription to get these products, it's advisable to consult with either your pharmacist or doctor before using them.
- Medications. Two prescription-only medications that don't have nicotine are available.
When these products are used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, it is more likely that people will quit smoking.
Smoking cessation has been made easier with the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). However, e-cigarettes are not MHRA-approved quit-smoking products. Nicotine replacement products are far safer. Moreover, they do not help people stop smoking. Many people who intend to quit smoking with e-cigarettes instead end up using both products.
What is the best and most effective nicotine replacement?
Nicotine addiction is one of the major reasons why people smoke.
In tobacco smoke, there are poisonous chemicals such as tar and carbon monoxide. With NRT, you receive a low level of nicotine without these harmful chemicals.
It is also useful for reducing unpleasant withdrawal effects, for instance, mood swings and cravings, that may arise after you stop smoking.
Where can I get NRT and how do I use it?
You can purchase NRT from pharmacies and certain shops. It's also available on prescription from the GP or when you join an NHS stop smoking programme.
It's available as:
- Skin patches
- Chewing gum
- Inhalators (which resemble plastic cigarettes)
- Tablets, oral strips and lozenges
- Nasal and mouth spray
The patches gradually release nicotine. Some should be worn continuously while others should be removed at night. Using inhalators, gum, and sprays may help curb cravings more quickly.
The effectiveness of any NRT can't be determined by its type. However, there is good evidence that combining NRT may be more efficient than using one product.
It is often best to combine NRT with a faster-acting method such as gum, inhalers, or nasal sprays.
It usually takes 8-12 weeks to finish a round of NRT treatment, after which the dose is gradually reduced before finally stopping.
Learn more about nicotine patches in our previous blog post here:
Who can use NRT?
NRT is accessible to most people, including:
- Adults and children over 12 years old - though children below 18 should not use the lozenges without seeking medical advice first.
- Pregnant women - If your doctor thinks that NRT would help you stop smoking, read more about quitting during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding women - your doctor can offer advice about this.
If you're not sure whether NRT is right for you, read the packet or leaflet. Feel free to ask your pharmacist for advice
If you have kidney or liver problems or you've recently had a heart attack or stroke, it may also be a good idea to consult your pharmacist first.
Common side effects of the best quit smoking products - NRT
Known side effects of NRT can include:
- Skin irritation when using patches
- Nose, throat or eye irritation when using a nasal spray
- Sleeping difficulties (insomnia), sometimes accompanied by vivid dreams
- Stomach upset
- Dizziness
- Headaches
The side effects are normally mild. Therefore, get in touch with a GP if they're especially troublesome. Consequently, your GP may change the dose or type of NRT.
Below is the best quit smoking product that we recommend to help you relieve the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal when you stop smoking.
Nicorette Nasal Spray
This blog post was written on behalf of Chemist.net by Pharmacy Mentor.