The nicotine replacement therapy effectively achieves sustained smoking abstinence for smokers who have no intention or are unable to attempt an abrupt, according to results of a systematic review and meta-analysis as reported in the April 3 British Medical Journal.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nicotine replacement therapy assisted reduction to stop smoking. The reviewers searched the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, Science Citation Index, also in ongoing trials registers and reference lists, and also consulted clinical experts and pharmaceutical companies that sponsored most trials.

The inclusion criteria for meta-analysis were published or unpublished randomized controlled trials that enrolled smokers who reported no short-term intention of quitting, comparing nicotine replacement therapy, with or without motivational support with placebo no treatment, other pharmacological therapy, motivation or support, and reported quit rates. Continue Reading

How to stop smoking with nicotine replacement therapy: patches and gum

How to quit smoking with nicotine patches or gum?

It’s a question I often receive some smokers.

This method, called the Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is to accustom the body get lower and lower doses of nicotine without the other toxic substances.

Gum and nicotine patches are the most popular and TSN are available without prescription in pharmacies. Other products belonging to the family of the TSN are the nasal spray and oral inhaler are not available in Spain.

In the case of spray, which consists of an aqueous solution of nicotine, the smoker must aplicaselo nose. Fluid mucus and itching in the throat as the most common complaints caused by the spray. The use of this product should be provided by prescription.

The philosophy of all replacement therapy or nicotine replacement is that smokers smoke because your body craves nicotine.

Willpower is the key to this method

Without the use of willpower, the TSN are not very effective. The first days, when the urge to smoke is greater, smokers should use their will to face the desire to smoke. Continue Reading