Nicotine Gum Information

Nicotine gum is a form of therapeutic nicotine that is designed to help ex-smokers gradually reduce the amount of nicotine they are used to receiving on a daily basis from cigarettes.

Used as a chewing gum, nicotine gum comes in two strengths: 2mg for people who smoke less than 25 cigarettes a day, and 4mg for those who smoke 25 or more cigarettes a day.

Don't eat or drink for 15 minutes before chewing nicotine gum, as the absorption of nicotine could be reduced, especially if acidic foods/drinks are consumed.

Nicotine gum is sugar-free and should not be swallowed.

Nicotine gum is an over-the-counter medication. A doctor's prescription is not needed.

Nicotine gum is marketed under several brand names, including Nicorette, Habitrol, Nicotrol and Nicotinell, along with a variety of store-branded nicotine gum products.

All nicotine gum comes in the 2 and 4mg strengths, and all brands offer a mint-flavored gum and a fruit-flavored gum. Additionally, Nicorette has Icy Mint and Cinnamon Surge flavors.

Medicinally, there are no differences between brands, but consumers might prefer the taste of one over another.

Nicotine gum should be chewed slowly until a mild tingling sensation is felt and then rest (park) it between the cheek and gum. When the tingling stops, bring the gum out and chew slowly, parking it again once the tingling sensation returns. Continue this until all of the nicotine is released from the gum -- approximately 30 minutes.

Do not chew gum fast, don't chew more than one piece at a time, and don't chew it more often than recommended.

Once the strength of gum is chosen, chew one piece every one to two hours for the first 6 weeks to reduce nicotine cravings. During weeks 7 to 9, chew one piece every 2 to 4 hours. During weeks 10 to 12, one piece every 4 to 8 hours.

Tips for Reducing Nicotine Gum Usage:

• Decrease the amount of time the gum is chewed. If you chew it for 30 minutes, drop down to 20 minutes, then 15, then 10, etc.
• Replace one piece of nicotine gum each day with regular, sugarless gum.
• If you use 4mg gum, switch to 2mg gum.

Nicotine gum therapy should be completed within three months. If you have trouble stopping nicotine gum therapy, consult your doctor.

Side effects commonly associated with nicotine gum therapy include:

• mouth ulcers
• jaw muscle aches
• nausea
• headaches/dizziness

Contact a doctor immediately if any of the following occurs:

• irregular heartbeat
• seizures
• breathing problems
• symptoms of nicotine overdose (see below)

See a doctor before using nicotine gum if you have:

• a heart condition or heart disease
• uncontrolled high blood pressure
• dental condition or disorder
• overactive thyroid
• you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant. Nicotine may harm the fetus.

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you're using before starting nicotine gum therapy.

Do not smoke or use any other NRT while using nicotine gum because you run the risk of experiencing a nicotine overdose.

Signs of a nicotine overdose may include:

• dizziness
• upset stomach
• bad headaches
• vomiting
• cold sweats
• drooling
• confusion
• blurred vision
• hearing problems
• weakness or fainting

If you suspect you've had an overdose of nicotine, stop using the nicotine lozenge and call your doctor immediately.

Nicotine is poisonous, and nicotine gum may contain enough nicotine to harm children or pets. Store in a safe place and contact Poison Control services in your area in case of an overdose.

Nicotine gum is used on an as-needed basis, and because of this, the potential to abuse this particular quit aid is significant.

• Addicted to Nicotine Gum

Please remember that nicotine gum is a serious medication that must be used exactly as directed by the manufacturer. If you choose to use nicotine gum to help you quit smoking, carefully wean yourself off of it in the amount of time suggested.

While nicotine gum can help you quit smoking, remember that it is a quit aid, not a miracle worker. The recipe for success with smoking cessation lies within you, not a product.

Develop your will and determination to quit smoking one simple day at a time and be patient with yourself.

• Developing the Will to Quit Smoking

• Patience With the Process

• Smoking Cessation Support Forum

Time, patience and support will help you win this race. Believe that, believe in yourself, and be willing to do the work it takes to quit for as long as it takes. Do this and you'll find that you can quit smoking, just as others have.

_Sources:

_{National Institutes of Health. Nicotine Gum. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a684056.html Accessed January 2011.}

_{U.S. National Library of Medicine. NICORETTE (nicotine) lozenge. http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=16625&CFID=64575096 Accessed January 2011.}

_{GlaxoSmithKline. Nicorette Gum. http://www.nicorette.com/quit-smoking-products/nicorette-gum.aspx Accessed January 2011.}

_{GlaxoSmithKline. Frequently Asked Questions About Nicorette. http://www.nicorette.com/faqs.aspx Accessed January 2011.}