Nicotine patches and nicotine gum: In late '96, nicotine-replacement patches and

Posted by quitkey on October 4th, 2013

October 03, 2013 Reston, VA

Three-fourths of smokers want to quit, but fewer than 10 percent who try each year succeed long term, according to health researchers. Smokers who resolve to kick their deadly habit today should find it a little easier, though.

The new Electronic Cigarettes offer a less harmful way of getting one’s nicotine fix and may provide the means of getting off nicotine completely. They join a number of other products and social support systems to aid smokers in stubbing out that nicotine addiction:

Smokeless nicotine inhaler: The smokeless nicotine inhaler should help some hard-core smokers who are addicted to nicotine but also miss the "feel" of puffing on a cigarette when trying to quit.

The plastic inhaler allows users to suck in a little nicotine, without the smoke that contains dangerous tars and toxins. The inhalers even cause a little burning sensation at the back of the throat for smokers who are really into the feel of smoking.

Zyban: More support is available in the form of a prescription anti-depressant designed to curb the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult for many people to Quit Smoking.

Zyban is a slow-release form of Wellbutrin, an anti-depressant that works on two brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. It is especially helpful for nicotine-dependent people who feel irritable, anxious, moody and on edge when they are trying to quit.

Nicotine patches and nicotine gum: In late '96, nicotine-replacement patches and gum went over the counter, making them easy to purchase. Some 20 percent to 25 percent of nicotine gum and patch users quit smoking for at least one year, with the inhaler expected to improve that rate.

Nicotine nasal spray: A nicotine nasal spray became available, by prescription only, in 1996.

Nicotine in the nasal spray hits the bloodstream faster than that in the gum or patch, offering the potential of almost immediate relief from cigarette cravings.

A squirt up each nostril gives the smoker 1 milligram of nicotine. Smokers aren't supposed to inhale it