Nicorette Microtab is a treatment that helps someone who quit smoking. These tablets contain nicotine, the same as cigarettes, and help someone who quit smoking over time. This treatment is known as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). NRT is a common form of treatment that works to slowly reduce nicotine intake over time to reduce cravings and help to quit smoking altogether. What causes Nicotine addiction?
Addiction to Nicotine is the result of using cigarettes over time and the tobacco having an effect. When someone smokes a cigarette, the tobacco-containing nicotine gets into the lungs. From there it gets to the brain, where it affects. Nicotine in the brain causes it to release neurotransmitters that affect mood and behaviour. The neurotransmitter released by the brain due to nicotine is dopamine. Dopamine improves the mood and gives off the feeling of pleasure. This is what causes cravings, as the body feels the need for dopamine. Cravings can be caused by triggers, which can be actions or routines. Knowing what these triggers are can be a help when it comes to quitting smoking and reducing cravings.
Who are these Nicorette tablets suitable for: These tablets are suitable to be used by adults and children aged 12 and over. Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients contained in the tablets should not use them. This treatment should not be used and instead of a doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist should be consulted if any of the following applies to you:
Are in the hospital because of heart disease
Have a stomach ulcer
Have kidney or liver disease
Have long-term throat disease
Have an overactive thyroid gland
Are diabetic
You should also seek advice before using if you are using any other form of medication.
Can someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding use these tablets: Someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding and is looking to quit smoking should try to do so without using any form of NRT first. If this does not work, then look at using the treatment. Though a medical professional should be consulted for advice before using.
How should Nicorette Microtab be used: These tablets should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. Do not chew or swallow them. The number of tablets you should use depends on the number of cigarettes that you have been smoking a day. If you smoke less than 20 cigarettes a day then use only 1 tablet an hour, otherwise, use 2 tablets every hour. The recommended amount per day is 8-24, with no more than 40 taken. Adults aged 18 and over should only use this treatment for a maximum of 9 months, anyone under that age who can use them should only do so for 12 weeks. The method to use these tablets is to aim for a date to quit smoking. Then take the tablets for 12 weeks, and 8 weeks for 12-18-year-olds, reducing the dosage over time. Use these tablets instead of a cigarette when you feel cravings.
Are there any side effects: Like with many types of medication, there is the potential for side effects. There is a chance that you may experience side effects as a result of nicotine withdrawals. These side effects include:
Irritability
Feeling low
Anxiety
Restlessness
A lack of concentration
Weight gain
Cravings
Sleeping problems
Lower heart rate
There is also the chance of side effects as a result of too much nicotine. The side effects of this include:
Feeling faint
Nausea
A headache
Of course, there is a chance that you will experience side effects using these tablets. These potential side effects include:
A headache
A cough
Throat irritation
Nausea
A sore and inflamed mouth
Hiccups
Allergic reactions
Burning sensation
Dizziness
A loss of taste
Tingling and numbness in the hands or feet
A blocked nose
Stomach pain
Diarrhoea
Dry mouth
Indigestion
Excessive gas or wind
Increased amounts of saliva
Vomiting
Fatigue
Abnormal dreams
Sudden reddening in the face or neck
High blood pressure
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Voice loss
Sneezing
Tightness in the throat
Belching
Swollen and red tongue
Mouth ulcers or blisters
Numbness or tingling in the mouth
Hives
Sweating
Itching
A rash
Jaw pain
Unusual weakness
Chest pain
Feeling unwell
Swallowing difficulties
Decreased feeling in the mouth
The feeling of wanting to be sick
Blurred vision
Redness in the skin