Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products – patches, lozenges, gum, inhalator and mouth spray – help to reduce nicotine withdrawals such as cravings, irritability, mood swings and anxiety.
Studies have shown that using 2 forms of NRT – a patch plus one of the oral products like gum or lozenges – can improve your quit success.
Using NRT is always safer than continuing to smoke. NRT does not contain the many dangerous chemicals found in tobacco smoke and allows you to focus on breaking your smoking habits and routines.
NRT products are available at pharmacies and some supermarkets. For more information on how NRT can help you stop smoking, phone the Quitline on 13 7848 or speak to your doctor or a pharmacist. The most effective way to stop smoking is getting support through a service such as Quitline together with nicotine replacement therapy or quitting medication.
Nicotine patches (cheaper on prescription from your doctor)
Nicotine patches are applied by sticking them onto the skin. They work by releasing a low but consistent dose of nicotine into the bloodstream via the skin. They help reduce withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, making quitting easier, and increase the chance of successfully stopping smoking. Patches are best used in combination with an oral NRT product, please see below. People can get two courses of NRT patches per year, through the PBS, on prescription from a doctor.
(Oral NRT) Nicotine gum, nicotine lozenge, mouth spray and inhalator
The gum, lozenge, mouth spray, and inhalator all work by replacing some of the nicotine you would normally get from cigarettes. The nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth. Using these products can help reduce withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability and anxiety.
To release the nicotine:
- chew the gum slowly until the taste becomes strong (about 1 minute) then stop and rest (or park) the gum against your cheek. When the taste fades, chew a few times until the taste gets strong, then park the gum on the other side of your mouth. Avoid eating or drinking when chewing the gum.
- allow the lozenge to dissolve, moving it around every so often from one side of the mouth to the other. Do not eat or drink when the lozenge is in your mouth.
- spray the mouth spray onto the side of your mouth or under your tongue.
- take frequent short, shallow puffs on the inhalator.
Combination therapy
Combination therapy means using two types of NRT products at the same time. Combining a patch with an oral form of NRT has been shown to increase stop smoking rates by 34-45% compared to using a patch alone.
Combination therapy is recommended if you have not succeeded in quitting when using a single NRT product and is often recommended if you smoke heavily. Talk to the Quitline, your doctor or a pharmacist about using combination therapy.
Proper use
It is important to use NRT correctly – follow the instructions provided with the product. You will have more chance of success using these products if you use them regularly throughout the day, as well as when you have cravings. It is recommended that you use them for at least eight weeks.
Our Quitline counsellors can help you to make sure you are using NRT the right way. If you need advice about the products, or any support along the way to help you quit, please call Quitline on 137848. Support is tailored to your individual circumstances and preferences.
