Quit Smoking

Nicotine Replacements & Medications

All of the products cited here are effective in improving the success rate for quitting and staying smoke-free. They are most effective when used according to instructions and together with self help programs and advice from health professionals.

Nicotine Patch

The patch is sold without prescription in Canada due to its relative safety. It comes in different dosages, and in different brands. All patches are meant to be worn for 24 hours. Dosages typically range from 7 mg to 21 mg.

See your doctor before using the patch if you are pregnant, breast feeding, suffer from angina, have irregular heart beat, or have just had a heart attack.

Patches continuously deliver a small amount of nicotine through your skin. The nicotine helps take the edge off of the effects of quitting; however, because you don't get large amounts of nicotine and it is delivered continuously (instead of the peaks and valleys in nicotine levels that occur with smoking) you may still have cravings to smoke or experience some withdrawal.

People typically use patch therapy for 10-12 weeks, however, the dose and length of time of use can vary depending upon the length of time someone has smoked and the amount they normally smoke.

A common error is to quit the patch sooner than recommended. Never cut a patch in half. The nicotine from a patch does not cause cancer, nicotine addiction or contain the other 3,999 harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke.

The most common side effects are skin irritation and sleep disturbance. A pharmacist or doctor can be helpful with suggestions on side effects and the correct use of the patch. Be sure to carefully read the instructions.

Nicotine Chewing Gum

Nicotine chewing gum is sold without prescription in Canada. It comes in different dosage levels, usually in 2 mg and 4 mg units. You have control over how many pieces of gum you chew per day. For most smokers this is between 2 and 10 pieces. Therefore, unlike the patch that continuously delivers nicotine, chewing gum produces more of the peaks and valleys you may feel with actual smoking. However, like patches, nicotine chewing gum only helps take the edge off. They may not entirely eliminate all cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is important to use nicotine chewing gum with some other form of help such as a self-help program and advice from a health professional.

The gum needs to be used properly to work. Read the instructions carefully or ask your pharmacist for help.

Many people use the chewing pieces for about 3 months. Some individuals (particularly those who were heavy smokers) use it for much longer periods of time. It is possible to become addicted to chewing pieces, although this is relatively rare. However, because chewing pieces do not contain all the other 3,999 harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke, they do not cause cancer or the many other serious health problems associated with smoking.

The most common side effects associated with the use of nicotine chewing pieces are burning in the throat, hiccups, or dental problems. These are often related to how you chew the gum.

Remember to check with your doctor before using nicotine chewing gum if you are pregnant, breast feeding, suffer from angina, have irregular heart beat, or have recently suffered a heart attack.

Nicotine Inhalers

The inhaler has a mouthpiece and cartridge that fit together. You can puff on the inhaler for several minutes (everyone has different needs). One cartridge lasts about 20 minutes in total. Nicotine is released from the inhaler with each puff and is absorbed through the lining of the mouth and throat but does not go into the lungs. Most people use about 6 cartridges daily (but no more than 12 per day) and gradually reduce the number of cartridges over 12 to 24 weeks. Common side effects may include cough, mouth or throat irritation, and upset stomach. Avoid acidic drinks such as coffee, tea, alcohol or fruit juices while using the inhaler as they prevent nicotine absorption. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before using nicotine inhalers.

Nicotine inhalers are also available without prescription at pharmacies. It is important to use inhalers with some other form of help such as a self-help program, or advice from a health professional.

Oral Medications

Oral medications like Bupropion and Verenicline can be prescribed by doctors to control nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Appropriate medication can increase one's chances of quitting. Generally, medication needs to be started before your quit date, usually 7-14 days before, as it takes time to build up in your bloodstream. As with any medications side effects can occur, please discuss risks and benefits with your health care provider.

Oral medication, as advised by a doctor, is not a magic pill but it can help control cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Medications should be used in combination with behavioural treatment as found in self-help material or as directed by a counsellor.

It is important to use these medications with some other form of help such as a self-help program and advice from a health professional.

Making a strong commitment to quitting smoking is the most important thing that you can do.