Is nicotine fading a useful technique?
Nicotine fading refers to gradual reduction in nicotine consumption, usually by switching to brands with lower nicotine content than the patient’s usual brand. While a few studies have reported reasonable success from this method, many patients will compensate for lower nicotine by inhaling more deeply, smoking the new cigarette closer to the filter, or even smoking more per day in order to maintain a constant level of nicotine in the body. It is not a recommended method in the Clinical Practice Guidelines. Can you give information on success rates of approved medications vs, unapproved methods: 1) hypnosis 2) anticholinergic blockade 1 visit to a clinic (I hear there are many in California followed by behavior mod/counseling). Anecdotally, I can tell you that hypnosis can be effective in helping patients quit. I don’t know of evidence basis. It would be hard to do a controlled study so all we might have is comparison to “usual” treatment. I can’t find any reputable trials on anticholi
