There are many different products on the market available to help smokers to quit. Many of which you can purchase yourself from your local pharmacy, supermarket or even over the internet.
However, to enable any of your local Stop Smoking Services to prescribe them to you they have to be approved and regulated by the Medical & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.
Please find below a list of products available and details of the recommended dosage;
If you have any questions regarding any of these products please ask
Nicotine Replacement Therapy;
PATCHES
Treatment period:
Preferable 8 - 16 weeks (at least 4)
Dosage:
25mg, 21mg or 15mg for heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes daily)
14mg or 10mg for lighter smokers (Upto 20 cigarettes)
24 hour or 16 hour patch
Positives:
Very easy to use. Just stick it on at the same time each day (if 24 hours) or take it off just before you go to bed (if 16 hours)
24 hour patches can help with early morning cravings
Clear patch available
Negatives:
24 hour patch may cause sleep disturbance.
May cause skin reaction - worth perservering with though as normally dies down.
GUM
Treatment period:
At least 4 weeks and then whenever you feel the need
Dosage:
4mg for heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes daily)
2mg for light smokers (Upto 20 cigarettes)
10 - 15 pieces a day
Positives:
Easy to regulate dose
Can stop you over eating
Negatives:
Tricky with dentures
Need to use correctly. 'Chew and park' method Chew as and when you need it, not to be chewed as you would a normal chewing gum
NASAL SPRAY
Treatment period:
Up to 8 weeks then reduce gradually over 4 weeks
Dosage:
Once or twice an hour as required (1 spray up each nostril or 2 sprays up each nostril)
Do not use more than 64 sprays in 24 hours
Positives:
Gives fast relief to heavy smokers
Easy to adjust dosage
Negatives:
May cause nasal irritation at first
Dependence more likely
Caution when operation machinery
INHALATOR
Treatment period:
Up to 8 weeks then reduce gradually over 4 weeks
Dosage:
15mg 3-6 cartridges daily (comes in boxes of 4, 20 and 36)
Positives:
Helps keep hands busy
Easy to regulate dosage
Could help prevent over eating
Negatives:
Not so good for heavy smokers
May attract attention in public
MICROTAB
Treatment period:
At least 12 weeks then reduce gradually
Dosage:
16-24 daily for heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes daily)
8-12 daily for lighter smokers (up to 20 cigarettes daily)
Positives:
Can be used discreetly
Easy to adjust dosage
Very few side effects
Negatives:
Need to be used correctly - wasted if swallowed
LOZENGE:
Treatment period:
At least 12 weeks then reduce gradually
Dosage:
4mg for heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes daily)
1 or 2mg for lighter smokers (up to 20 cigarettes daily)
Average 8-12 lozenges daily
Maximum of 15-25 daily
Positives:
Discreet and easy to use
Sugar free
Can help reduce weight gain
Negatives:
May cause initial throat irritation
May cause indigestion
MINI LOZENGES
Treatment period:
At least 12 weeks then reduce gradually
Dosage:
4mg for heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes daily)
1.5mg for light smokers (up to 20 cigarettes daily)
Positives:
Discreet and easy to use
Sugar free
Can help reduce weight gain
Negatives:
May cause initial throat irritation
May cause indigestion
May cause hiccups
MOUTH SPRAY
Treatment period:
At least 12 weeks then reduce gradually
Dosage:
1mg - 1-2 sprays each hour
Positives:
Fast acting
Negatives:
May cause indigestion
May cause hiccups