KARACHI, June 1: If a person suddenly stops smoking, he will face severe cravings and he may go through mood swings owing to irritability and anxiety.

This was stated by Dr Marie Andrades of the Aga Khan University at the seminar on “Hazards of Tobacco Consumption”. She maintained that sudden cessation of smoking was better as compared to gradual methods because it entailed superior commitment. However, she added, every effort at quitting was not successful. She said that one must not give up owing to any failure.

The participants of the seminar were told that people were mostly aware of the hazards of smoking through advertising, public awareness campaigns and often peer pressure. But a person would only give up smoking if he had made up his mind to do so. Cessation products and plenty of support from others could help smokers to leave such their habbit.

They were informed about a few methods including nicotine replacement therapy; nicotine substitution therapy; hypnosis; and acupuncture, which could help people to give up smoking.

Nicotine replacement therapy involves replacement of nicotine that can be slowly reduced as the person gives up smoking. It is important to determine the correct strength of the product being used. Under-dosing will lead to nicotine craving and loss of confidence. Some people require a patch as background replacement and the occasional patch or piece of gum at times of intense craving for a cigarette.

It is important that product instructions are closely followed. Stated doses should not be increased. Product manufacturers recommend that one should leave cigarettes a day before starting nicotine replacement treatment. However, this method should not be used if the smoker is suffering from cardiovascular diseases.

Another method is the nicotine substitution therapy. The capsules involving this method do not contain nicotine and act as an anti-smoking aid, products designed to relieve nicotine craving. The programme is slowly tapered down during the cessation period. One can start with 150mg daily and use upto 450mg maximum per day for seven to 12 weeks. Smoking should be discontinued after one week of start of the product.

Patients with history of seizures, anorexia nervosa, hypertension, coronary artery disease should not take this medicine.

The supplements advised during cessation include Vitamin-C, multivitamins and anti-oxidants. Details about the alternative therapies should be obtained from experts.