Perspectives on Tobacco—Part VI: The "How" or "Tao" of Quit, part 3, Nicotine Patches, Gum, Lozenges, Are They Worth It?
by Charlie Vandiver, R.Ph., Total Health and Wellness Center

Before we talk about nicotine products, I want to announce we will begin a smoking cessation support group, starting Wednesday, December 1, 2010, at the Taos Total Health and Wellness Center, next to Taos Pharmacy. Call (575) 737-5810 for directions.

I wrote in the last article about using a little pharmacology to help quit tobacco. The most common pharmacologic help prescribed for tobacco cessation have been the nicotine products. And many question, if it really makes sense to use the same drug to stop taking the same drug.

What about those nicotine products? Do they work? Yes, for many people they do work. There is good research to support the effectiveness of nicotine products.

Nicotine is the primary addicting agent in cigarettes and keeps smokers coming back for more. The nicotine products provide a slightly lower dose of nicotine, somewhat alleviating nicotine craving (tobacco craving) while an individual is walking down the path of tobacco cessation.

Dosing of the nicotine preparations is very important. I’ve discovered, with some people, the approved dosing may not be completely accurate for all patients. However, I advise you follow the package labeling when you start. If you vary from the dosing, then I advise you work with your doctor or a tobacco cessation specialist who is familiar with the products.

The nicotine patches are a popular step for smoking cessation. There are 3 different strengths—21mg, 14mg, and 7mg. You place the patch on the skin during waking hours and take it off at night. The patch strengths are tapered down over time. Do not smoke while on the patch, you could get a nicotine overdose.

Other preferred nicotine preparations are the lozenges and gum. The gum or lozenges can be used alone or for breakthrough nicotine craving while on the patch. Some recovering smokers prefer the gum or lozenges because of the "oral" experience of having something in the mouth, somewhat similar to smoking.

If you have questions about these products, drop by our wellness center and we can help you take those first steps to tobacco cessation.

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