Resource Center: relevant literature

NRT aims to reduce withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping smoking by replacing the nicotine from cigarettes. NRT is available as skin patches that deliver nicotine slowly, and chewing gum, nasal spray, inhalers, and lozenges/tablets, all of which deliver nicotine to the brain more quickly than from skin patches, but less rapidly than from smoking cigarettes. This review includes 132 trials of NRT, with over 40,000 people in the main analysis. It found evidence that all forms of NRT made it more likely that a person's attempt to quit smoking would succeed. The chances of stopping smoking were increased by 50 to 70%. Most of the studies were performed in people smoking more than 15 cigarettes a day. What limited evidence there is suggests no overall difference in effectiveness of different forms of NRT nor a benefit for using patches beyond 8 weeks. NRT works with or without additional counselling, and does not need to be prescribed by a doctor. Heavier smokers may need higher doses of NRT. People who use NRT during a quit attempt are likely to further increase their chance of success by using a combination of the nicotine patch and a faster acting form. Preliminary data suggests that starting to use NRT shortly before the planned quit date may increase the chance of success. Adverse effects from using NRT are related to the type of product, and include skin irritation from patches and irritation to the inside of the mouth from gum and tablets. There is no evidence that NRT increases the risk of heart attacks. (From their website)

A list of family history red flags

Quitting tobacco is difficult because all forms of it—cigarettes, cigars and spit (chewing) tobacco—contain nicotine and nicotine is the agent in tobacco that's capable of causing addiction or dependence. However, you can quit once and for all. The reasons for quitting are simple: You'll lower the chances of having a heart attack, stroke or cancer, including oral cancer. A smoke-free environment is healthier for those around you. If you're pregnant, you'll improve your chances of having a healthy baby. And, the money spent on tobacco can be used on other things. (From Their Website)

For more complete information, please refer to the FDA package insert.

This chapter of "Nicotine Addiction in Britain" goes into great detail on the neurochemical effects of nicotine.

Guidelines to help make the decision to breach patient's confidentiality.

See FDA package insert for more complete information

See FDA package insert for more complete information

Details how to increase a patient's motivation to quit using tobacco products.

Smoking Cessation Cycle as referenced by Prochaska et al. 1992, 1993; Prochaska and DiClemente 1982