Q: I want to start a nicotine patch to help me quit smoking. What can I expect for side effects?
– E.J., Sacramento, Calif.
A: Possible side effects mimic those of smoking itself, such as rapid heartbeat, nervousness, insomnia and mild headache. People also sometimes feel an increased desire for munchies, itching or rash at the site of the patch, as well as muscle pain.
But don’t let these side effects deter you from your quest to quit smoking; they are simply possibilities, and the risks from smoking far outweigh a few mild, transient side effects. Most people who use the patch, combined with lifestyle changes, do very well.
Some people chew nicotine gum or use a nasal spray rather than apply the nicotine patch. The choice is yours. Side effects for the chewing gum include all those above, plus gastrointestinal effects like indigestion, excessive salivation, mouth tingling and jaw-muscle ache. Hoarseness and hiccups are possible, too. With gum, you can expect more GI effects. In contrast, the patch delivers its dose through the skin directly to the bloodstream, bypassing the gut and eliminating GI side effects.
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Q: Do I have to be concerned about any interaction with other drugs and MSM, methylsulfonylmethane? I take medicine for cholesterol and blood pressure. I want to start taking MSM for arthritis.
– N.L., Davie, Fla.
A: No concern. MSM is very safe and useful to the body. When we supplement with it, the body incorporates the substance. MSM is a member of the sulfur family, which is completely safe and should not be confused with sulfites or sulfa drugs, to which many people are allergic. MSM is prevalent and naturally occurring in the body, and deficiencies of it have health consequences.
MSM is popular for its ability to reduce arthritis pain and increase joint mobility. It’s sold widely in the U.S., often combined with other arthritis substances such as chondroitin and glucosamine.
So when you think of MSM, think sulfur. Sulfur is needed in every cell of the body. Without enough sulfur, you can’t replace or repair damaged tissue, so you might be more sensitive to pain. Some illnesses associated with deficiencies of sulfur include gastrointestinal problems, infection, osteoarthritis, rheumatic pain, acne and memory loss. Dry skin, itching, and brittle nails and hair also are likely.
MSM is found in raw vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onions, cabbage and asparagus. Processing foods will reduce or eliminate much of the MSM otherwise present. Supplementation is OK, as long as you stick to reputable brands.
Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist. Contact her at dearpharmacist.com.
