The last cigarette

Resolved a thousand times and failed a thousand times – many smokers who want to kick the habit of smoking for good, have experienced this. The fact that this is not so easy is rooted in man’s reward system.

Do not let yourself be tempted – this is easier said than done and is particularly difficult if the lure, in this case the cigarette, is available at a time when you used to pick up a cigarette to calm down.

A consultation at the pharmacy therefore re­quires more than just recommending medication.

Questions and information

• How long have you been smoking?
• How often have you tried to give up smoking and why did you fail?
• Do you know the situations when your desire for cigarettes is particularly strong?
• There may be withdrawal symptoms during nicotine with­drawal such as a bad mood right up to depression, insomnia, restlessness, ravenous appetite or weight gain.
• You can counteract a possible weight gain by the appropriate lifestyle.
• The danger of you having a relapse decreases if you combine a nicotine replacement therapy with a behavioural therapy.
• A nicotine replacement therapy can make it easier for you to overcome the cigarette dependency.

Additional information

• Over-the-counter nicotine substi­tutes are available in various dosage forms, such as chewing gum, lozenges and tablets, which you melt under­ the tongue, but also as a spray and a patch.
• Nicotine patches release the nicotine continuously for several hours. They are particularly suitable if you smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day.
• Chewing gums are effective if you smoke less than 15 cigarettes a day and will help you especially if you are heading for a relapse. The nicotine from the chewing gum passes quickly into the blood and your urge decreases.
• Chew the chewing gums slowly and carefully until you can feel the nicotine effect.
• Lozenges and sublingual tablets have a similar effect as the chewing gums.
• If you are suffering from a strong addic­tion, you should combine nicotine patches with nicotine chewing gums.
• Do not drink any acidic juices while using nicotine substitutes.