Þ    NRT’s, Side Effects And Tips

As with all medicines nicotine products can cause side effects. Common side effects with all of the above-mentioned products include:

• Headache
• Nausea, and
• Dizziness

The patches may also cause irritation or skin rashes and the nasal spray may cause a sore throat, runny eyes or nose and sneezing.

The nicotine found in the gum, lozenges and inhalers might irritate the mouth and throat and cause dryness.

Þ    Affect on Other Medications

Smoking and NRT’s both affect how other medications work, so if you take any other medicines you need to see your doctor or pharmacist for advice before you begin using any NRT.

Important Tips if you are Considering Using Nicotine Replacement Therapies

• Find out from your doctor, dentist or pharmacist which NRT is right for you. Remember these medicines can cause side effects in some people and other people should not use NRT without a doctor's help – especially for pregnant women.

• Be patient - using NRT’s correctly can take some time to get used to. Follow the instructions but remember to give the medication some time to see how it affects you and if it is the right kind of NRT for you.

• Don't mix NRT with tobacco. Having one or two cigarettes while you use the gum, patch, nasal spray, inhaler, or lozenge is not dangerous but your goal is to try to quit smoking for good. It is much better to use NRT only when you have seriously committed to stopping smoking. If you do slip up and smoke a cigarette or two, don't immediately give up on NRT’s - keep on trying.

• Start out using enough NRT to help ease your cravings and relieve any withdrawal symptoms. Use the recommended amount of NRT in the instruction leaflet and don't skip or forget to take your NRT after you first stop smoking.

• Gradually use less and less NRT medication but don't stop completely until you're absolutely sure that you are ready. It may be helpful to set up a schedule with your doctor or pharmacist.

• Keep some of the medicine with you after you have stopped using it, this way you'll be ready for a relapse or an emergency situation where you would have normally reached for the cigarettes.

• Wait a half hour after using the gum, lozenges, or inhaler before you eat or drink anything acidic. Acidic foods and drinks can prevent nicotine gums and inhalers from working. This includes oranges, lemons, grapefruit, tomatoes, tomato sauce, coffee, soda and citrus juices. 

Þ    Can you become addicted to Nicotine Replacement Therapies?

Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco so there is a risk you could become dependent on the nicotine replacement products. However, this risk is small compared to the much greater risks you are exposing yourself to by continuing to smoke.

There is a lower chance of becoming dependent on nicotine patches, because the nicotine in these products is released slowly and constantly through the skin. There is less fluctuation in the nicotine levels found in your blood.

This is why it is so important to follow the instructions on NRT products carefully and to gradually reduce the amount of NRT you use after 8 to 12 weeks.