Stop smoking aids: do they work?

Gum (Nicotinell, Nicorette, Boots, NiQuitin CQ)
This is different from ordinary chewing gum and can have a peppery or tingling sensation, especially to begin with, so you may have to persevere in using it. It is important to learn to chew it properly to get the full benefit from using it. You should use approximately one piece per hour (say 15 pieces per day). It should be chewed slowly and then rested between your gum and the side of your mouth, repeatedly, for about 30 minutes. The nicotine is slowly absorbed through the lining of the mouth.

The gum comes in two strengths, low (2mg) and full (4mg) and in a choice of flavours. The recommended period of use is three months. Clinical trials show that it can double your success rate.

The main side effect is irritation of the mouth and throat, but this lessens with use. The gum is difficult to use if you wear dentures and can irritate your stomach if you chew too vigorously.

Nasal spray (Nicorette)
The nicotine nasal spray comes in a bottle with a nozzle that delivers a dose of a fine spray of nicotine squirted into each nostril. It can be used up to 32 times a day (64 squirts per day). The nicotine is quickly absorbed through the lining of the nose. It mimics the effects of cigarettes more closely by giving a relatively fast effect. It should be used for 3 months. Clinical trials show that it can double your likelihood of quitting, especially if you smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day. It is particularly suitable for highly dependent smokers for whom the other products may not have such an immediate impact.

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