Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) will reduce some of the withdrawal symptoms that you may have when you quit smoking, such as nervousness, short temper, trouble concentrating, etc. When dosed properly, people do not become dependent on NRT.

How do you obtain NRT?

It is important that even though you can get most NRT over the counter that you talk with a physician or a counselor from the Maine Tobacco Helpline to ensure you have proper instructions and are taking the correct dose of the medication. This may or may not include nicotine replacement and other medications.

How can I pay for NRT?

MaineCare covers Nicotine Replacement Therapy for people over the age of eighteen (pregnant women excluded). Some health insurance companies do cover NRT. If not call the Maine Tobacco Helpline for information on the nicotine replacement vouchers offered to people over the age of eighteen, not pregnant or breast feeding, and have not experienced a cardiac event in the past eight weeks and have no insurance or pharmacy benefit for NRT. Talk with your doctor about your decision to quit smoking. He or she can help you plan a program that may work best for you.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy Delivery Systems:

Nicotine Inhaler - A thin plastic cylinder containing a cartridge that delivers nicotine through the lining of your mouth and throat when you puff on it. The Inhaler substitutes both the nicotine and hand-to-mouth behavior associated with smoking.

Nicotine Nasal Spray - A pump spray that delivers nicotine through your nose and into the blood stream. (Caution: Easier to become dependent upon it than with the nicotine patch or gum).

Nicotine Gum - A gum of either 4 mg. or 2 mg. depending on how much you smoke, that last about an half-hour to help control cravings. (Tip: Chew one piece of gum until you can just taste the medicine. The gum will taste peppery. Put the nicotine gum between the inside of your cheek and your gums. When you next get a craving, chew the gum 4 chews or so, just until you can taste the medicine strongly. Put the gum in a different spot against your gums each time. If you are not careful you can get sores in your mouth. If you do not get a taste of medicine, it is time to throw your gum away. Caution: Do not drink any fluids and chew nicotine gum at the same time. Do not smoke while using the Nicotine Gum).

Nicotine Lozenge - The nicotine Lozenge is available in 4 mg. or 2 mg., depending on how long you wait in the morning before having your first cigarette, and is used to cope with nicotine cravings.

Nicotine Patch - The 21mg., 14 mg. and 7 mg. patches are used in decreasing doses to reduce nicotine content slowly. One patch lasts for two hours.

NEVER SMOKE USING ANY OF THE NRT METHODS ABOVE. IT IS POSSIBLE TO OVERDOSE ON NICOTINE!

Zyban/Bupropion/Wellbutrin SR - A non-nicotine product in pill form. You do need a prescription for this medication and the individual dose is determined by your doctor (should be started two weeks before quit date). The primary role of this medication is to alter brain dopamine and noradrenalin to bring about some of the same effects that nicotine has when people smoke.

Alternative Methods Include - Acupuncture or hypnosis.

The Maine Tobacco Helpline at 1-800-207-1230 or your physician can help you decide the proper dose of the Nicotine Replacement Therapy you choose. Make sure to contact your doctor if you are experiencing any side effects after taking the medication or if you stop taking the medication as directed.