General Information on Habitrol
The generic name for Habitrol is Nicotine. This medication is prescribed for those who want to quit smoking. It is used as a replacement for nicotine in cigarettes and help in smooth quitting by controlling various withdrawal symptoms including craving for tobacco, weight gain, headache, and irritability among others. You can buy Habitrol as an over-the-counter product, although it is recommended for use only if prescribed.
Side effects of Habitrol
Habitrol is considered as a non retailiant medication for helping quit smoking but it can have several side effects as well. Side effects of Habitrol vary from patient to patient. One of the most common side effects is allergy. Patients using Habitrol patches can face the risk of developing skin irritation and even dermatitis.
Habitrol is known to give rise to various cardiovascular side effects like increase in blood pressure and heart rate, new supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia, less supraventricular arrhythmia, coronary artery vasoconstriction, and increase in PVC frequency.
Some of the other side effects of Habitrol include respiratory problems like bronchospasm, stomach problems (GI) like dyspepsia, dry mouth, diarrhea, flatulence, stomatitis and glossitis. It also affects the nervous system and symptoms reported most commonly are headache, dizziness, abnormal dreams; strokes caused by severe cerebral artery vasospasm, and disturbed sleep. It also causes musculoskeletal side effects like myalgias and arthralgias.
Clinical trials have reported metabolic side effects due to the use of Habitrol. These include cases of hyponatremia and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).
Precautions
Habitrol can have several mild to severe side effects and hence precaution is necessary. If you are allergic to skin patches then you should opt for Habitrol lozenge or chewing gums. Nicotine patches can cause serious harm to children and the same patch should not be shared by two different people. Habitrol lozenge, gums, or patches can cause side effects more frequently in older people vis-à-vis younger people. If you are above the age of 50 years then it is recommended to consult a physician before you buy Habitrol. Studies have revealed that it poses a potential risk to the fetus in pregnant women and should be hence avoided unless really necessary.
Habitrol Dosage
Habitrol is available in the form of a nicotine gum, lozenge, and a skin patch. It is used for a period of 12 weeks as a part of the quit smoking program. The Habitrol patches are available in three different packs with different levels of dose. The recommended dose for a person smoking 10 or more cigarettes a day is Habitrol 21mg patch for 2 weeks followed by Habitrol 7mg patch for 2 weeks. Those smoking less than 10 cigarettes a day need to start with Habitrol 14mg patch for 6 weeks followed by Habitrol 7mg patch for 2 weeks. The patch needs to be applied in a dry and non hairy area of the skin.
If you have been prescribed nicotine gum then the standard dose is Habitrol 2mg gum for 2 weeks followed by 4mg gums for 2 weeks. Gum is available in two flavors of fruit and mint. Maximum recommended dosage is 2mg or 25 pieces of gum in a day or 15 pieces of 4mg in a day.
Interactions
Intake of tobacco or alcohol when using the Habitrol patch or gum may lead to interactions. If you have specific medical problems and are on medication for treating those problems then consult a doctor as Habitrol gums can interact with some of the medications especially those related to dental problems, type 1 diabetes, mouth or throat inflammation, temporomandibular joint disorder, and skin allergies or irritations.
