If you are looking to quit smoking but have tried and did not like or did not find success with any of the nicotine replacement therapies on the market, your compounding pharmacist may have the solution. Nicotine replacement therapy uses products that supply low doses of nicotine. These products do not contain the toxins found in smoke. The goal of nicotine replacement therapy is to decrease cravings for nicotine and ease the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
Commercially available smoking cessation aids, such as nicotine gum, lozenges, patches, inhalers and sprays, are used to help people stop smoking without exposing the user to the harmful tars and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke. They not only curb the craving for tobacco, but in the case of gum and lozenges, also satisfy the oral fixation associated with nicotine addiction. While these products are very helpful for some, patches may cause skin irritation at the site of application and do not allow for increased dosage during stressful events of the day. Nicotine gum may cause headaches and heart palpitations, and other side effects, if chewed in the way regular gum is chewed.
Nicotine lollipops, which require a prescription, can help control cravings because they provide an alternative source of nicotine and can help to satisfy the "hand to mouth habit", by keeping your hands busy, much like a cigarette. This quality is missing in the commercially available products.
Because nicotine lollipops do not contain the toxins found in cigarette smoke, you are not subjecting yourself to the same risks associated with smoking. As you begin to step down your usage, you gradually wean your body off the nicotine until you no longer desire nicotine.
Whether you have been smoking for a very long time or for only a few years, kicking the habit can be hard. With the right plan, however, you can break the addiction and manage your cravings to live a rewarding, smoke-free life. When choosing a nicotine replacement therapy, you should choose a form that fits your lifestyle and is based on your habit. If you feel like the nicotine lollipop may be a great option for you, talk to your compounding pharmacist today.