nicotine replacement therapy

Nicotine replacement therapy

A method of weaning a smoker away from both nicotine and the oral fixation that accompanies a smoking habit by giving the smoker smaller and smaller doses of nicotine in the form of a patch or gum.

Mentioned in: Smoking

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nicotine replacement therapy,

the use of chewing gum, lozenges, and skin patches as a substitute for tobacco smoke sources to satisfy nicotine cravings.

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nicotine,

n a poisonous alkaloid found in tobacco and responsible for many of the effects of tobacco. It is first a stimulant (small doses) and then a depressant (larger doses). It is highly addictive.

nicotine gum,

n brand name: Nicorette (nicotine polacrilex); an over-the-counter chewable product containing the chemical nicotine. It is used for tobacco cessation.

nicotine inhaler,

n a prescription inhalation device consisting of a mouthpiece into which a cartridge is inserted to deliver nicotine in gradually diminishing doses over time. It is used for tobacco cessation.

nicotine lozenge,

n an over-the-counter dissoluble tablet that releases nicotine. It is used for tobacco cessation.

nicotine nasal spray,

n a prescription nicotine-containing liquid that the user self-administers through the nose. It is used for tobacco cessation.

nicotine patch (nicotine transdermal system),

n brand names: Habitrol, Nicoderm, Nicotrol, ProStep; an over-the-counter press-on patch that releases nicotine slowly into the body through the skin. It is used for tobacco cessation.

nicotine replacement therapy,

n a tobacco cessation method intended to reduce nicotine cravings and ease the symptoms of withdrawal by substituting another source of nicotine, such as a specially formulated lozenge, gum, nasal spray, inhalant, or skin patch for tobacco products.

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nicotine replacement therapy

Substance abuse The use of any of a number of formulations of nicotine–gum, sprays or patches to attenuate the Sx of nicotine withdrawal. See Nicotine gum, Nicotine nasal spray, Nicotine patch, Nicotrol inhaler, Smoking cessation.