What's the best way to quit smoking with relapsing-remitting MS, and what can help with nicotine cravings?
Quitting smoking is especially important for managing RRMS, as smoking can accelerate disease progression and reduce the effectiveness of MS treatments. The good news is that former smokers have the same risk of MS Show Full Answer
What's the best way to quit smoking with relapsing-remitting MS, and what can help with nicotine cravings?
Quitting smoking is especially important for managing RRMS, as smoking can accelerate disease progression and reduce the effectiveness of MS treatments. The good news is that former smokers have the same risk of MS progression as people who never smoked.
Strategies that have worked for MyMSTeam members:
- Cold turkey: Some members successfully quit all at once, finding strength in loving themselves more than smoking
- Nicotine replacement therapy: Nicotine patches or gum (like Nicorette) can help ease cravings
- E-cigarettes with gradual reduction: Slowly weaning down to zero-percent nicotine cartridges before stopping completely
- Oral substitutes: Chewing cinnamon sticks or gum to satisfy hand-to-mouth habits
- Prescription medications: Options like bupropion (Wellbutrin), though these can have side effects worth discussing with your doctor
Important considerations:
Keep in mind that nicotine itself may compromise the blood-brain barrier, so while nicotine replacement products can help you quit, they're not risk-free. E-cigarettes also pose health risks despite being potentially less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
Support resources available:
- Smoking cessation hotline: (Phone number can only be seen by the question and answer creators)
- National Cancer Institute's LiveHelp instant messaging
- Smokefree.gov for apps and support groups
Talk with your healthcare provider about which approach fits best with your MS treatment plan and overall health.
November 29, 2025
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Email
Join
Your Privacy Choices
