What is nicotine replacement therapy?
Short answer
Nicotine replacement therapy is the group of products licensed as cessation medicine: patches, gum and lozenges. They supply nicotine at a controlled dose, without smoke or the products of combustion, to reduce withdrawal symptoms while you break the habit of smoking.
Key points
- Patches, gum and lozenges licensed as cessation medicine.
- The purpose is easing withdrawal, not long-term replacement.
- Combined with counselling it succeeds more often than either alone.
- Ask a pharmacist or doctor about the dose for your level of dependence.
The principle
A smoker is dealing with two things at once: dependence on nicotine and the habit of smoking. Nicotine replacement therapy separates them. It keeps nicotine at a level where withdrawal is manageable while you dismantle the habit.
The nicotine arrives at a controlled dose, without smoke and without the products of combustion.
Three common forms
Patches. Release steadily over hours. Used as an all-day baseline.
Gum. Faster acting, used when a craving arrives.
Lozenges. Similar to gum, for people who would rather not chew.
Many guidelines allow a patch to be combined with one fast-acting form. That is a question for a pharmacist or doctor rather than something to decide alone.
How this differs from ordinary nicotine products
This group is licensed as cessation medicine. The content is controlled, the dosing has instructions, and the intended use is to taper and then stop.
Nicotine pouches are not in this group. They are not licensed as cessation medicine in Vietnam or anywhere else, and they are not proven as a way to stop smoking.
How long it is used for
Guidance describes a course with an end and a tapering schedule. Discuss that with a pharmacist or doctor at the start, because the taper is part of the therapy rather than an afterthought.
Combined with counselling
Counselling combined with medication performs better than either alone. That conclusion is consistent across Ministry of Health and WHO guidance. The quitline on 1800 6606 is free.
Common questions
- How is a nicotine patch used?
- A patch releases nicotine steadily over several hours and is usually applied in the morning. The strength is chosen from how many cigarettes you smoke a day. Ask a pharmacist or doctor to pick the dose rather than estimating it yourself.
- Is quit-smoking gum the same as nicotine replacement therapy?
- Only if the product is licensed as cessation medicine and states its nicotine content. Several products on the market have similar names without being in the licensed group. Ask a pharmacist.
Sources for this article
- Guidance on smoking cessation counselling and treatmentMinistry of Health, Vietnam
- Tobacco fact sheetWHO
- Stop smokingNHS
- Respiratory Centre, quitline 1800 6606Bach Mai Hospital