Many people try all sorts of stop smoking aids when they decide to stop smoking. One of the oldest stop smoking aids is polacrilex gum, otherwise known as our old friend, nicotine gum. Now obviously, this isn’t the kind of gum a kid chews. In fact, this can be described as gum in name only, because it’s really not meant to be chewed like “Dentyne“.
So what is polacrilex gum? As I said, it is one of the most popular and oldest over the counter stop smoking aids on the market. It comes without a prescription in two strengths, both in 2 mgs and 4 mgs. Usually, the higher doses are meant for those who describe themselves as heavy smokers.
Nicotine gum falls in the category of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The idea is to help the quitter better tolerate the nicotine withdrawal cravings associated with quitting tobacco. Many find a nicotine supplement beneficial because nicotine is so addictive. Withdrawal cravings usually include agitation, anxiousness, restlessness, and basically just not feeling good in your own skin. The cravings typically peak after a couple 2 or 3 days and it’s these cravings which eventually undermines the smoker’s attempt to stop successfully.
The idea of the polacrilex or nicotine gum is thought to be two-fold in nature. Not only does it provide a nicotine replacement delivery system, but it also keeps the mouth busy. Let’s point out that smoking is more than just a physiological addiction, it’s also a conditioned behavior. Polacrilex gum is one nicotine replacement therapy designed to address this behavioral component. Not completely, but just enough to potentially offer some oral relief.
However, don’t get carried away with the chewing. Polacrilex gum is not meant to be constantly chewed, like recreational gums. Rather, this type of gum is meant to be chewed only until a tingling sensation is noticed. Then the gum gets “parked” between the cheek and gums until the sensation is no longer felt. Once this occurs, the chewer simply repeats the chewing and parking to maintain the tingling feeling.
Side-effects usually occur when people are constantly chewing the gum without parking it. Constant chewing creates increased saliva production and swallowing of the medication. This reduces the oral nicotine absorption and increases the likelihood of stomach or gastric tract upset. It also decreases the benefits of the product, since the nicotine replacement simply passes out of the body without being absorbed.
Nicotine lozenges work in the same way as the polacrilex gum. Since it is not chewed, it may be easier for people to use. Much like the gum, the nicotine is absorbed in the mouth and should not be swallowed. Both can be used in combination with other stop smoking aids, but only under the direction of a doctor. This is called combination therapy.
All the nicotine replacement therapies, including the gum and lozenges can double your chances of success over quitting cold turkey. So it basically goes up to about a 10% success rate. If you seek the advice of a physician and map out your stop smoking plan, then you also increase your chances of quitting. So although, the gum and lozenge doesn’t require a prescription, you may still benefit from a quick trip to the doctor before you start.
