Quit Smoking With Over-The-Counter Products
Over-the-counter (OTC) is a term known to one and all.
OTC products are meant to be used by people without any prior
consultation with the doctor. There must have been several instances
where you would have opted for an OTC medication to cure common cold,
flu or allergies. Now there are also available a few products which can
help you quit smoking.
Nicotine replacement products double your chances of quitting by making you comfortable. You
can easily withstand the nicotine withdrawal symptoms after quitting
with the help of these products. They are:
Nicotine patch:
As the name suggests, it is a small, self adhesive patch. It provides a
steady release of nicotine in to your bloodstream through the outer
layer of your skin. You can apply it anywhere between your waist and
neck. But generally it is applied on the upper arm or shoulder. Though
there are some advantages such as easy availability and usability,
nicotine patches suffer from some disadvantages as well. For example,
you can not quickly adjust the amount of nicotine in the patches
according to your cravings. Its use involves some side effects such as
headache, dizziness, upset stomach and blurred vision. Sometimes you may
be unable to sleep as well.
Nicotine gum: Another OTC
nicotine replacement product is nicotine gum. It is made of a special
material called polacrilex. You have to chew the gum and hold the chewed
gum between your gums and cheek to release nicotine which would satisfy
your cravings.
Nicotine gum helps
in satisfying your cravings but has some disadvantages as well. You may
suffer from nausea or hiccups if you chew the gum too fast or you
swallow the nicotine instead of holding it, as directed.
Nicotine lozenge: It is an OTC product which you can use
discreetly to satisfy your cravings. It is like a candy. You are
required to keep it between your gum and cheek and suck it slowly. You
can use it as and when required. But, occasionally its use may lead to
heartburns, nausea and dizziness.
Now that you have a fair idea
of these OTC smoking cessation products, you can choose the best one for
yourself easily.