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Nicotine Patch Vs. Nicotine Gum

With all of the facts readily available and clear cut evidence of the damage caused by smoking cigarettes, more and more smokers have the desire to quit. But for many, just having the desire isn't enough. Quitting smoking can be very challenging, and many people suffer failure after failure trying to quit on their own before they choose one of the many quit-smoking aides to provide assistance. Two of the more popular, easily accessible aides to quit smoking are the nicotine patch and nicotine gum.

  1. Differences

    • Nicotine gum is used at the time of the craving. When chewed like chewing gum it provides the body with the desired nicotine to quell the craving for cigarettes.

      The nicotine patch is "transdermal" which means that it works through the skin--it's a small adhesive patch that can be placed on the body in an inconspicuous place and will continually provide you with low levels of nicotine to cut down on cravings.

    Efficacy

    • According to Dr. Scott Sledge's report on nicotine replacement and smoking cessation, a number of studies conducted by the FDA revealed that both the nicotine patch and nicotine gum were about equal in helping smokers kick the habit, with success rates of between 25 and 30 percent.

    Convenience

    • Nicotine gum may need to be re-administered at several times throughout the day to be effective, and the levels of nicotine which it releases into the body aren't extremely consistent. The nicotine patch only requires a single application for a 24-hour period and it continually releases a consistent amount of nicotine into the body.

    Physical Conditions

    • There are things that may inhibit people from successfully using a nicotine replacement therapy. Some people may have allergic reactions at the application site of the nicotine patch and therefore have difficult using it on a consistent enough basis to get the desired effect. Similarly, people with dentures or some other oral health issues may not be able to effectively use the nicotine gum without issue.

    Warning

    • Even though these treatments have a solid track record with helping smokers quit and they are readily available, they may not be all you need to quit smoking. It's wise when embarking on a plan to quit smoking to consult your physician and get as much information as possible to successfully reach your goal. Some people may require support and counseling beyond what an over-the-counter smoking aid can provide on its own.

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