To get the most from nicotine therapies, use them properly.
Read the directions that come in the package, and follow your doctor's advice. Package inserts can be hard to read. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about directions or side effects.
These products work best for people who are REALLY trying to quit. They work best as part of a planned program to quit, and with help from your doctor or clinic. Whether you're using the patch, the gum, or the nasal spray, never let it be your only coping tool. To quit for good, use the other ideas in Clear Horizons to fight smoking urges, and to learn new ways of coping with tension, boredom, and pressure to smoke.
Do not use more than one form of nicotine replacement therapy at the same time without checking with your doctor. Other forms of nicotine and non-nicotine replacement therapies are being tested and may be available soon. Ask your doctor if any of these might be right for you.
IF YOU ARE USING NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY: DON'T START ANY OF THESE NICOTINE PRODUCTS UNTIL THE MORNING OF YOUR QUIT DAY and don't smoke once you start using patches, gum, nasal spray or inhaler.
IF YOU ARE USING ZYBAN®: see the instructions on the next page for starting 7-14 days before your quit day.
Starting on your quit day, use one piece of gum every 1-2 hours. Add more pieces when you feel tense or on edge. Carry the gum with you all the time. Do not use more than 30 pieces of the 2 mg gum, or more than 20 pieces of the 4 mg gum, per day.
Chew each piece slowly. NOT like regular gum. Chew the gum until you can taste it, or feel a tingle in your mouth. Then stop chewing and "park" it betweeen your cheek and gums until the peppery taste or tingle goes away. Then start chewing slowly again. Throw each piece away after 20-30 minutes.
Wait 30 minutes after eating or drinking to use the gum. Drinking liquieds while using the gum reduces the amount of nicotine your body can absorb.
Chewing the gum too hard, too fast, or too long, and swallowing too much nicotine can cause a burning sensation in the mouth or throat, hiccups, upset stomach, or gas. If this happens, take the gum out, wait 15 minutes, then take a new piece and alternate between chewing it SLOWLY and "parking" it. Check with your doctor if you have any questions about these or other side effects.
Follow the directions that come with the gum or your doctor's advice about how long to use the gum. Start to cut back after 3 to 4 weeks. Page 42 gives you tips about cutting back. Work toward stopping the gum in 3 to 6 months.
Check the package insert for any support programs that may be offered through the manufacturer.
Use a new patch every day! Don't skip a day. Be sure to buy more patches before you run out.
Wear your patch in a new place every day. Don't go back to the same place for 7 days. It is normal to have some redness and itching under the patch for 24 hours after it is removed. It you see a rash or swelling all over your body, take off the patch, wash the area where it was, and call your doctor. Switching to another brand of patch may help.
Ask your doctor about taking off the patch at night if you have trouble sleeping or abnormal dreams and you are using a 24-hour patch.
Check with your doctor if you are bothered by headaches, upset stomach or any other side effects.
If you find you are still smoking, take off the patch and call your doctor. Page 39 can help you quit again.
Check the package insert for any support programs that may be offered through the manufacturer.
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