Aiding reduction of smoking with nicotine replacement medications: hope for the recalcitrant smoker?

Objective: To assess the effect of the various nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) on smoking reduction.

Design: During an initial sampling week, the subjects familiarised themselves with nicotine gum, patch, nasal spray, vaporiser (vapour inhaler) and sublingual tablet. A crossover design was used during the next four study weeks; during two of these weeks the subjects could select one nicotine replacement product of their choice to use, whereas during the other two they were randomly assigned a product to use.