- Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) include – patches, lozenges, gum, nasal sprays, inhalers and tablets.
- After stroke NRT should be started under medical supervision and treatment can last up to 3 months.
- It is important to realise that the risk of smoking is far greater than the risk of using NRT after stroke.
- Champix – this is a non-nicotine medication to help reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms and it also reduces the satisfaction gained from cigarettes
- Zyban – it works on neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal reactions.
- The main reason why many smokers find it difficult to stop is nicotine dependence. Nicotine deprivation precipitates a withdrawal syndrome producing both physical symptoms and mood disturbances. These include mouth ulcers, concentration, irritability and urges to smoke.
- The occurrence of these symptoms, especially urges to smoke and depressed mood, can lead to relapses early in a quit attempt.
- As a healthcare professional providing smokers with signposting to smoking cessation services and providing ongoing support can be pivotal to their success.
- E-cigarette (or vaping) is a form of nicotine replacement therapy. E-cigarettes seem to be less harmful than smoking tobacco. However the long-term effects of smoking e-cigarettes have not yet been fully established. Current advice in Scotland is that vaping or e-cigarettes have less overall risk but they are not currently prescribed to people who wish to stop smoking. If a person chooses to use e-cigarettes, it should be as a stepping stone to quitting.
- Smoking tobacco and using e-cigarettes together (dual usage) is not recommended as there is no benefit.
For more information on smoking cessation visit: NHS stop smoking services
For more information on e-cigarettes visit: https://www.gov.scot/policies/smoking/electronic-cigarettes/
Page last reviewed: 15 Oct 2021
