There exists no concrete physical test to know the degree of nicotine addiction. Your medical practitioner will gauge the degree of addiction by asking questions. Alternatively, you may have to fill a questionnaire.
The number of cigarettes that you smoke is in direct proportion to the degree of addiction. It is important to know the degree of addiction to obtain an appropriate medication for nicotine replacement.
Drugs and Medical Treatment
You are never alone in your fight against nicotine addiction. The chances of success are greater if you take treatment that has been scientifically proven to be effective. Medications in combination with counseling is the proven highly effective.
Although thwarting nicotine addiction is a challenge, the benefits of a nicotine-free life are worth the efforts. Smokers who have crossed the age of 50 are at more risk for developing life-threatening conditions irrespective whether they have succeeded in overcoming addiction or not.
The benefits of quitting tobacco are too humungous no matter what your age. Your heart rate slows down after a mere 20 minutes after your last cigarette. 12 hours later the level of the harmful carbon monoxide decreases in the blood. The circulation system improves functioning and so do the lungs. A year of nicotine independence reduces the chances of heart attack by half. Living a smoke-free life for five to fifteen years makes the risk of smoke almost negligible.
Medications
Several medications are part of nicotine replacement therapy and non-nicotine substitutes. These medications help overcome nicotine addiction. These medications should be used in combination with behavioral changes.
Using a combination of medicines such as a nicotine patch with nicotine gum or a nasal spray or inhaler will increase the chances of success. Success is not guaranteed through the use of any single medication.
Contact a medical practitioner if you are on medication but the craving for tobacco still persists. Doctors can modify the doses of drugs and also prescribe new ones.
Medication help fight nicotine addiction. However, if you are pregnant or are breast-feeding consult your doctor for prescription medications. Also if you are a smoker below the age of 18 you would need to consult a doctor before laying your hand on over-the-counter medications.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy gives you the supply of nicotine without the harmful effects of smoke. Most individuals are under the assumption that nicotine causes cancer. This is completely untrue. Nicotine replacement products such as patches, gum, lozenges, and nasal sprays and inhalers help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The use of these products should begin on the same day that you decide to quit smoking.
Most nicotine replacement products do not need a prescription and are available over the counter.
- Nicotine patches (NicoDerm CQ, Habitrol):
With the help of this patch nicotine directly enters the bloodstream through the skin. You need to use a new patch everyday. The typical period for which you can use a patch is eight weeks. Do not stop using a patch if experience withdrawal symptoms or have stopped smoking abruptly. If you are not able to kick the habit within two weeks of treatment, consult your doctor for a modification in the dose. Your doctor might even consider using a combination of medications. - Nicotine gum (Nicorette, Rite Aid):
Nicotine gum is a resin like substance that transmits nicotine to your bloodstream through the lining of the mouth. The gum is available in doses of 2 and 4 mg. Chain smokers will benefit from the 4 mg dose. You can use nearly 20 pieces of this gum. They help beat cravings. To have optimal benefits you need to chew the gum a few times till you get peppery taste. Following which you can rest the gum between your cheek and gums. This alteration between ‘chewing’ and ‘resting’ allows for the smooth absorption of nicotine by the blood. When using the gum, avoid the intake of carbonated drinks and coffee. - Nicotine lozenge (Commit):
These lozenges come in the form of tablets that dissolve in the mouth. Similar to nicotine gum, nicotine lozenges delivers nicotine to the body through the mouth. The available dosage for the lozenges is 2 mg and 4 mg. Chain smokers are more likely to benefit from the latter dosage. These lozenges need to be placed between the gums and the cheeks for optimum absorption. Alternatively, they can be placed beneath the tongue. To begin with, experiment with a single lozenge. Some of the side effects associated with these lozenges are headaches, nausea, and an upset stomach.
Nicotine replacement products that can be obtained via a prescription include:
- Nicotine nasal spray (Nicotrol NS):
With the help of this product, nicotine is delivered to the bloodstream through the nostrils and nasal membranes. The total time for absorption is quicker in comparison with nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches, although not as quick as cigarettes. The average period you may use this spray ranges from three to six months. A common symptom is irritation of the nasal pathway. - Nicotine inhaler (Nicotrol Inhaler):
The shape of this product is similar to a cigarette holder. The nicotine vapor is delivered to the mouth with a single puff. The nicotine enters the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth. Some of the common side effects are irritation of the mouth and throat and coughing.
Medication to combat nicotine addiction is not restricted to nicotine substitutes. Following are some prescription medications that do not contain nicotine.
Antidepressants:
The most common antidepressant prescribed to combat nicotine addiction is bupropion, which increases the level of dopamine, norepinephrine and other chemicals. The production of these chemicals is also stimulated by nicotine. It is common for smokers to combine use of this medication with a nicotine patch. Bupropion also the ability to reduce weight gain related to abandoning cigarettes. Common side effects include irregular sleep and dryness of the mouth. Individuals having seizures or head trauma such as fracture of the skull are not advised to take this medication. Besides bupropion, nortriptyline is another antidepressant with similar effects.
Varenicline:
This drug has an impact on the nicotine receptors of the brain. In addition, it decreases the symptoms associated with withdrawal of smoking. Common side effects include nausea, headache, lack of sleep, and nightmares. In some occasions, varenicline leads to depression and suicidal thoughts.
Clonidine:
Clonidine has the basic function of reducing high blood pressure. However, it can be useful in fighting tobacco addiction. Due to its side effects of drowsiness and sedation it is not widely prescribed.
Drugs undergoing research:
Clinical trials are on for the use of nicotine vaccines. These vaccines are designed to improve the immune system by developing several antibodies. These antibodies bind with the nicotine and prevent its harmful effects on the brain. Most smokers who quit the habit are faced with the problem of relapse and these vaccines help combat it.
