Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is available at prescription cost (or free if you are exempt) via our Stop Smoking Advisers. Call us on 0845 27 07 222 for more information.

NRT has been shown to double your chances of stopping smoking. It is not a magic cure. NRT does not completely replace the amount of nicotine you would receive when you smoke, but gives you a reduced amount. This means you might still experience withdrawal symptoms but these will be less than if you quit 'cold turkey' (without any product or aid).

Nothing will help you give up smoking if you are not determined to do it and half hearted attempts generally do not succeed. Only you can do it! The reason some people do not benefit from using NRT is that they may not have used it properly or in insufficient quantities. It is very unusual for people to become addicted to NRT products.

Caution: Persons with a serious medical condition such as heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, peptic ulcers or skin problems should consult with a doctor before using NRT.

Nicotine Gum
This is available in two strengths: 2mg and 4mg and in several flavours. The 4mg gum is better for more dependant smokers usually smoking more than 20 a day. The gum allows good control of the dose of nicotine because a piece can be chewed whenever the need for more nicotine arises. A chew-rest-chew technique should be used so that the nicotine is absorbed through the mouth lining and is not swallowed. Hold the gum between the cheek and the gum between chewing. When the taste fades, it should be chewed again and then parked. Any swallowed nicotine is wasted as it is not absorbed when digested. Gum should be used for 3 months and then gradually reduced by switching to sugar free gum or reducing the number of pieces chewed. Most smokers will use 10-15 pieces of gum per day. The gum can taste unpleasant at first although people do get used to the taste of it. The gum can cause mouth ulcers and indigestion.

Patch
The patch delivers a measured dose of nicotine through the skin. They are available as 16 hour and 24 hour versions in varying doses. The patch is very discreet and easy to use, being put on each morning and with the 16 hour patch, taken off at night. High dose patches have been shown to be more effective than low dose patches for smokers of more than 15 cigarettes a day. If sleep disturbances occur with the 24 hour patch, try switching to a 16 hour patch. Patches should be applied to clean, dry non-hairy skin - the upper arm or trunk are most commonly used. Use a different site each day to minimise any irritation. It can take up to 2 hours after applying the patch before the full dose is received. Some people find that taking gum or lozenge to supplement the patch more effective. At present, labelling on NRT products restricts usage to just one product. However there is little scientific evidence to support this.

Nasal Spray
This is the strongest form of NRT available and is generally recommended for more dependent, heavier smokers. This is the most rapid form of nicotine delivery available and the nicotine is absorbed through the permeable membrane of the nose. The spray is a bottle of nicotine solution that delivers a dose of nicotine in a spray when the top is pressed down. Again it allows good control of the dose. It can be difficult to use, causing sore nose, runny eyes sneezing and be generally unpleasant, although people who persevere soon get used to it and are able to tolerate it.

Inhalator
This is a plastic mouthpiece with a supply of replaceable nicotine cartridges that fit inside it. The nicotine is absorbed in the mouth and throat, not the lungs. It is useful for smokers who like the ritual of smoking and allows control over the dose. It takes about 20 sucks on the inhalator to get the same amount of nicotine to 1 puff of a cigarette. Some people describe the taste as unpleasant but it doesn't take long to get used to it.

Sublingual tablet / microtab
This is a small tablet which is placed under the tongue where it dissolves over a period of about 30 minutes. It is not chewed, sucked or swallowed. It is discreet and flexible and similar to the gum, gives good control over the dose of nicotine. Once again this is not a pleasant taste and can cause mouth ulcers and indigestion.

Lozenge
The lozenge is like a sweet and should be sucked slowly. The nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth, in the same way as the gum and microtab, and is also available in two main doses - 2mg and 4mg.  The lozenge will dissolve completely after approximately 30 minutes. It offers good control over nicotine dose. This also can taste unpleasant, cause mouth ulcers and cause indigestion.


Non-nicotine cessation aids

Zyban (Bupropion)
This was originally marketed as an anti-depressant in America. It was found that people were giving up smoking as a result of taking this drug. It is not understood how it works but it blocks the neurotransmitters that make smoking pleasurable. In the UK, this product is only available on prescription and only suitable for a limited number of people. There are also a number of side effects, which your GP should explain to you.

Champix (Varenicline)

Champix tablets contain the active ingredient Varenicline, which is a medicine used to help people who are addicted to nicotine to give up smoking. Varenicline works by stimulating the nicotinic receptors in the brain. This produces an effect that relieves the craving and withdrawal symptoms you can get when you stop smoking. At the same time, Varenicline blocks nicotine from acting on the receptors. This prevents any nicotine inhaled in tobacco smoke from having a rewarding and enjoyable effect. In the UK, this product is only available on prescription. There are also a number of side effects, which your GP should explain to you.