Is Nicotine replacement therapy right for me?

The whole concept of nicotine replacement therapy is that it gives your body a low dose of nicotine to help ease the cravings. By putting a small amount into your system your withdrawal symptoms are not as severe. One of the major drawbacks for nicotine replacement therapy is that you go through nicotine withdrawals twice. The first time when you initially quit smoking and the second time when you stop the nicotine replacement therapy. On the plus side you don't need to go to the doctor to get it.

This can be difficult for many people, especially if its the second time around. You'll go through a milder form of withdrawals as that familiar edgy feeling comes back. You're never prepared for that second wave of withdrawal and frequently have a hard time stopping the nicotine replacement therapy. Those that are able to move on are closer to becoming smoke free.

There are many methods of nicotine replacement therapy; the patch is the most commonly used. Normally you will start with a higher dose and gently work your way down over a 6 to 12 week period of time. Side effects are common as the amount delivered in the 24 hour period is often too much for the body to handle.

Nausea and cold sweats is a common side effect of the patch. This can be an indication that the dose is to high for your system and you can try a lower dose the next day. It might be a good idea to look into another form of nicotine replacement therapy. Many people have had great success with the patch, but since the human body's chemistry varies from person to person not everyones body is able to adapt to the patch.

There are several forms of nicotine replacement therapy, the patch is no longer your only option. Nicotine gum now has improved in flavor and lacks that pepper taste that used to linger in your mouth. You don't have to worry about feeling sick due to the taste, because now the nicotine gum comes in fruit flavors. The dosage schedule is controlled by you depending on your withdrawal symptoms.

Another therapy option is the nicotine lozenge, which you can find in a number of flavors. It delivers a low dose of nicotine to your system as it slowly dissolves in your mouth. You are in control of the dosage which you can adjust according to your withdrawals. Normally you can allow 2 to 4 hours in between tablets. You will experience some type of secondary withdrawal symptoms when you wean yourself off of them, but it's worth it when you know that in the end you can be smoke free.

The nicotine inhaler is also a good method for those that need to have something in their hand, which is a common problem among smokers. Again you receive low doses of nicotine, which you inhale through this device that assists you in overcoming you're cravings. And although I have personally not tried this I've spoken to several people who have found this to be really helpful.

There are nicotine replacement options available without a prescription and readily accessible at any corner drugstore or supermarket. You will still have to expect to pay quite a bit for over the counter therapy. But many of the products provide online support and forums, which help keep you in touch with other people who are trying to quit smoking.

The side effects of nicotine replacement therapy can vary from insomnia to headache to nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. Some of these side effects can be temporary, but if they are too much for you, you should consider lowering your dosage or changing to another form of nicotine replacement therapy. You might also want to try a non-nicotine based medication.