Nicotine gum

Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum 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 - 2 and 4 mg's.
People defined as "heavy smokers" - greater than 25-30 cigarettes per day - may
benefit from higher doses of the gum. Consult a doctor or other health care
professional to ensure you are placed on the right strength. Although nicotine gum
is available without a prescription, the simple act of prescribing it may improve its
efficacy.

Is Nicotine Gum Bad For You

Some people may ask if nicotine gum is bad for you. I think the question should be
changed to whether smoking is bad for you. I think we know the answer to that
question. Nicotine gum is not bad for most people. A simple reading of the
instructions and precautions on the package and insert will tell you if it is bad for you
personally. If you have questions, you can always ask your doctor, which we would
recommend.

Nicotine gum or nicotine replacement therapy is designed to slow down the
nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Clinical studies show much higher quit rates than
what is seen in the real world. This is likely because those volunteering for a
smoking cessation studies, might be more serious about quitting than the average
person. Quit rates on this and all other nicotine replacement therapy is about double
over quitting cold turkey alone.

How to Chew Nicotine Gum

The correct way to use nicotine gum is to chew it a few times until a tingling
sensation is noticed. Once this is achieved, the gum should be kept between the
cheek and gum until this sensation is no longer present, this is called "parking" the
gum. Once the sensation has left, the person should begin chewing it again, until
the sensation returns. People usually start out chewing between 10-15 pieces per
day, but then settle down after the first week to about 5-8 pieces. Nicotine gum is
typically recommended for a 3 month time period.

Nicotine Gum Side Effects

Side effects are usually limited to gastric upset, especially if it is vigorously chewed.
This action will create excessive mouth watering which then gets swallowed.
Nicotine gum side effects become evident once the nicotine is swallowed in the
saliva. Once in the gastric system, it passes out of the body without achieving its
desired effect. Long term, there do not appear to be any lingering nicotine gum side
effects. In fact, it has been studied in patients who have used it for up to 5 years with
no ill effects. Addiction to nicotine gum is certainly a potential side effect to nicotine
gum.

Nicotine Lozenges

Nicotine lozenges work in the same way as the nicotine gum. Since it does not
need to be 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.

The cost associated with nicotine gum and the nicotine lozenge is about equal to
the cost of a pack of cigarettes per day.

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