Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or prescription medicines can help you stop smoking. Sometimes you can use a combination of treatments.
There are different types and strengths of NRT. Talk to your stop-smoking advisor, pharmacist or GP about the right option for you.
Choosing a type of NRT
Before you choose a type of NRT, think about:
- how much you smoke
- when you smoke
Things to consider when choosing NRTs
- Nicotine gums and lozenges are fast-acting substitutes you take in doses or amounts that suit you.
- Mouth sprays work quickly when you need them.
- Inhalers work quickly and can feel similar to a cigarette.
- Patches are convenient - you only have to put them on once a day.
Sign up to a quit plan which contains a nicotine dependence assessment tool. This will help you choose the correct dose and type of NRT.
Medical conditions or allergies
You may not be able to use some forms of NRT if you have certain allergies or conditions.
For example, if you:
- have diabetes - check that gums and lozenges are sugar-free
- wear dentures - you may want to avoid nicotine gum
- have skin conditions - you can talk to your pharmacist about patch options
How to use NRT
Read the instructions that come with your NRT.
Only use NRT:
- at the recommended dose
- for as long as it's recommended
The recommended treatment time for all NRT products is 12 weeks. You should take NRT for at least 8 weeks.
Your NRT will not work the way it should if you use a different dose to what was recommended or stop taking it too soon.
Combination therapy
Combination therapy means using a fast-acting form of NRT at the same time as a slow-acting form of NRT (the nicotine patch).
A good guide is to use 1 patch a day along with a fast-acting product that can be used every hour - for example, 1 piece of gum every hour.
Fast-acting forms of NRT include:
Using a fast-acting NRT may help if you get cravings throughout the day.
Using just 1 type of NRT may not have worked for you in the past. Combination therapy can increase your chances of quitting.
Your GP or advisor may also recommend that you combine NRT with a prescription medicine.
Prescription medicines
You can get medicine on prescription to help you stop smoking. This can increase your chances of quitting.
Make an appointment with your GP before you plan to give up smoking. You need to start taking the medicine around 2 weeks before your quit date.
Your GP will ask you about your medical history and other medicines you take. They will tell you which medicine is suitable for you.
Vaping
Vaping is not recommended as an alternative to smoking. The best thing you can do for your health is not to smoke or vape.