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Those starting points lead to different rituals, different expectations, and very different reputations
NRT gum Pros Different flavours (original, cinnamon, fruit, mint) Serves as distraction/substitution for your mouth from smoking Can be used in combination with other NRTs Can be used to manage acute craving Dose can be easily titrated up and down Less expensive Cons Frequent dosing can cause poor adherence Proper chewing is necessary for correct dosage Not acceptable or desirable for some people Not ideal for people with a lot of dental work (gum can stick to dental work Some possible side effects: mouth/throat irritation, jaw soreness, nausea/burping/vomiting, hiccups, light-headedness NRT lozenges Pros Different flavours (cherry, mint) May serve as oral substitute for smoking Dose can be easily titrated up and down Can be used to manage acute craving Can be used in combination with other NRTs Less expensive Cons Frequent dosing can cause poor adherence Some possible side effects: mouth and throat irritation, hiccups, nausea/vomiting/burping, light-headedness NRT transdermal patch Pros Once-daily dosing makes adherence easier Discrete, which some people prefer Can be used to manage acute cravings Can be used in combination with other NRT Less expensive Cons Doesnt satisfy the desire to have something in your mouth Not for patients with certain skin conditions Cannot be used to treat acute cravings Some possible side effects: skin irritation at site of administration, Sleep disturbances NRT nasal spray Pros Can be titrated up and down for dosage adjustment Can be used for acute management of cravings Cons Frequent dosing can cause poor adherence Nasal administration is not desirable for everyone Not for patients with chronic nasal disorders Some possible side effects: nasal and throat irritation, eye irritation/watering, sneezing, coughing More expensive NRT oral inhaler Pros May satisfy the urge to have something in your mouth Can be used to manage acute craving Can be used in combination with other NRTs Cons Frequent dosing can lead to poor adherence Some possible side effects: mouth/throat irritation, cough, hiccups, nausea/vomiting More expensive Bupropion Bupropion is a medication typically used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) under the brand name Wellbutrin, but it is also approved by the FDA to aid in smoking cessation, under the brand name Zyban
Any substance that can affect the developmental stages of the human brain should be avoided
