Combination NRT is recommended as a first-line treatment to stop smoking.
Combination therapy means using a fast-acting form of NRT at the same time as the nicotine patch, which is a slow-acting form of NRT.
There are different types and strengths of NRT. Your GP, pharmacist or stop smoking advisor can help you decide which type is right for you.
Types of NRT
Nicotine is the ingredient in cigarettes that makes them addictive. This is why it can be hard to give up smoking.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a licensed medicine which gives you a low level of nicotine. It does not contain the other poisonous chemicals present in tobacco smoke. For example, tar and carbon monoxide.
NRT products are checked for safety by the Health Products Regulatory Agency in Ireland.
There are different types of NRT:
You can also use NRT in combination with a prescription medicine to stop smoking.
Ireland's National Guideline on Stop Smoking Care - gov.ie
Getting NRT
To get free NRT, you need to sign up to a stop smoking support programme with an advisor.
You can call our Quitline on 1800 201 203
If you have a medical card, your GP can prescribe NRT for you. You should still contact a stop smoking advisor for the support programme.
Find a stop smoking advisor near you
You can also buy NRT in pharmacies.
How NRT works
NRT provides just enough nicotine to relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- anxiety
- restlessness
- hunger pangs
- lack of concentration
NRT relieves physical withdrawal symptoms. This helps you to focus on the psychological (emotional) aspects of quitting.
For NRT to work, you must use it:
- the right way - your stop smoking advisor, pharmacist or GP can explain how
- for long enough - usually for 8 to 12 weeks
- at the right amount for your level of nicotine addiction
If NRT did not work for you in the past
If you tried a type of NRT before without success, do not give up on it completely.
You may not have used it properly or for long enough. Try again and follow the instructions carefully. You could also be in a different frame of mind this time.
There are many types of NRT. You could try a different type of NRT product. Get advice from your stop smoking advisor, pharmacist or GP.
Advice if you’ve tried to stop smoking before
Side effects of NRT
NRT is a safe medicine. People who use it rarely have problems. Read the instructions before you use NRT. Get advice from your GP or pharmacist.
Some people may get side effects from NRT.
These include:
- skin irritation, muscle aches and stiffness when using patches
- racing heartbeat
- sleeping problems, sometimes with vivid dreams
- an upset stomach
- dizziness
- headaches
Some side effects, such as a racing heart, may happen because the dose of nicotine is too high for you. You could also have nicotine withdrawal symptoms if your NRT dose is too low.
Side effects are usually mild. But if you are worried about side effects, talk to your GP or pharmacist. You may need to change the dose or type of NRT.
NRT is not swapping one addiction with another
Some people think that using NRT is just swapping one addiction for another. But this is not true.
Smoking is highly addictive. It very quickly delivers nicotine to the brain. This makes stopping smoking difficult.
The nicotine levels in NRT are much lower than in tobacco. The way they deliver nicotine makes them less addictive than smoking.
Most health problems are caused by other components in tobacco smoke, not by the nicotine. It is safer to use licensed nicotine-containing products than to smoke.
People who use NRT can reduce their use of it and stop. You can talk to a stop smoking advisor about how to use NRT in a way that is safe and that works.