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Where to seek help
If you wish to quit nicotine use, it is advisable to consult with your general practitioner. They will be able to provide you with advice and sources of support. Even if you don’t wish to seek outside help, your general practitioner will be able to support you.
During your first consultation with your general practitioner, your level of addiction will be assessed, as will your health and lifestyle habits.Your general practitioner will be prescribe treatments to help you to quit smoking.
Nicotine replacement therapy
There are several types of smoking cessation treatments available. Your general practitioner will help you to decide the best course of treatment for your needs.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is often prescribed to those who wish to quit smoking. This type of treatment works by releasing small quantities of nicotine into the bloodstream. It therefore controls your cravings for cigarettes without putting you at risk from the harmful substances in cigarettes.
Patches
NRT is available in a transdermal patch which sticks to the skin, a chewing gum, an inhalator, a nasal spray, and tablet and lozenge form. Heavy smokers may find the 24-hour transdermal patch to be the best NRT for them. NRT can be prescribed by a general practitioner or bought over-the-counter.
Duration
NRT typically lasts between eight and 12 weeks. Over time, the dose of nicotine received through NRT is gradually reduced until NRT use is stopped. NRT is not without side effects. However, if side effects are experienced, they are likely to only be mild. In the event that troublesome side effects are experienced, the dose of NRT may need to be reduced.
Prescription-based medications
Two medications licensed to help people quit smoking for good include Bupropion and Varenicline.
Bupropion
It is available in tablet form and is used under the guidance of a general practitioner. This medication is used one to two weeks prior to quitting smoking with a course of treatment typically lasting between seven and nine weeks. The drug is not to be used by those under the age of 18 years. The drug is not suitable for use by all.
Varenicline
This is a medication designed to aid smoking cessation by preventing the effects nicotine has on the brain. This medication is used one to two weeks before smoking cessation. The treatment course typically lasts 12 weeks. The drug is only suitable for those over the age of 18.