Drug
Nicotine (Polacrilex)
Pronounced
"NICK-oh-teen"
Uses
This medication can help you quit smoking by replacing the nicotine in cigarettes. The nicotine in tobacco is an important part of cigarette addiction. When you stop smoking, your nicotine levels drop quickly. This drop can cause withdrawal symptoms such as craving tobacco, nervousness, irritability, headache, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating.
Stopping smoking is hard and your chance of success is best when you are ready and have made a commitment to quit. Nicotine replacement products are part of a total stop-smoking program that includes behavior change, counseling, and support. Smoking causes lung disease, cancer, and heart disease. Stopping smoking is one of the most important things you can do to improve your health and live longer.
How to Use This Medication
If you are using the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before using this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not eat or drink anything for 15 minutes before using the lozenge and while the lozenge is in your mouth.
Start this medication on your quit (smoking) day. Suck on a lozenge when you feel the urge to smoke. Place the lozenge in your mouth and allow it to slowly dissolve over 20-30 minutes. You may feel a warm, tingling sensation. Try not to swallow the dissolved medication. Do not chew or swallow the lozenge. Occasionally move the lozenge from one side of your mouth to the other with your tongue.
The best dose for you is the dose that decreases the urge to smoke without side effects from too much nicotine. Your dose will need to be adjusted to your needs, including smoking history and medical condition. During the first 6 weeks, use 1 lozenge every 1-2 hours (at least 9 lozenges a day).
Do not use more than 1 lozenge at a time or continuously use 1 lozenge right after another. Doing so may increase side effects such as hiccups, heartburn, and nausea. Do not use more than 5 lozenges in 6 hours or more than 20 lozenges in a day. You may use this product on a regular schedule as well as at times when you have the urge to smoke.
When you have stopped smoking and you have reached the best dose and schedule for you, continue at that dose. After about 6 weeks, start using fewer lozenges each day as directed in the package or by your doctor until you are no longer smoking and no longer need nicotine replacement. It is important to complete the treatment with this medication (12 weeks). If after the treatment period, you still feel the need to use this medication to prevent you from smoking, talk to your doctor.
If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as tobacco cravings, nervousness, irritability, headache). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used nicotine for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.
Some smokers are unsuccessful the first time they try to quit. You may need to stop using this product and try again later. Many people who cannot quit the first time are successful the next time.