What You Need to Know about Nicotine Gums

I was recently gifted a pack of nicotine chewing gums (2mg dose). I am not a smoker but it was interesting to read up on this gums. I also found out that there are two doses with the 4mg dose for heavy smokers out there and 2mg for light to average smokers.

In studies, it has been shown that nicotine chewing gums help about 15% of the users to quit smoking. So, I decided to give one of my colleagues this gum to try. Hopefully, it works for him since he has been intending to quit smoking for long. Also, one pack may not do the miracle. It usually takes many packs of nicotine gum over a period of time for one to quit smoking.

How does this gum work?

The gum works by releasing nicotine to the body to reduce the withdrawal symptoms experienced when one ceases smoking. It mainly acts as a substitute and provides oral activity to reduce the urge of reaching out to a cigarette.

How should one consume this chewing gum?

Nicotine gum is to be chewed like a chewing gum and not to be swallowed. All one needs to do is to bite down slowly into the gum until a tingling sensation is felt. Then “park” it between the cheek and the space below the teeth for a minute. Repeat this step until the tingling stops (usually 30 minutess). The nicotine will gradually be absorbed by the walls of the mouth.

Nicotine gum can be consumed every 1-2 hours by itself to control withdrawal symptoms, or it may be used in combination with nicotine patch for those with stronger cravings.

How to know the recommended dose for me?

• The nicotine gum comes in two strengths (2 mg and 4 mg). The right dose depends on the timing when one usually has their first cigarette each day and how many sticks they are currently smoking. If one has their first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking, they should consider starting with the 4 mg dose. If one has the cigarettes 30 minutes, use the 2mg dose. Over 8-12 weeks, dose and frequency can be lowered.
• Use one piece of gum every 1-2 hours for the first 6 weeks. Chew a piece of gum at the usual time one reaches for a cigarette.
• If using nicotine patch, need not use the gum frequently except when there is a strong craving.
• Do not use more than 24 gums/day.

Side Effects of this Medication?

• Stomach discomfort and hiccups from swallowing the gum
• Getting too much nicotine in a go causes light-headedness, nausea/vomiting, throat and mouth irritation.

Nicotine Gum Precautions

• A heart attack in the last two weeks.
• Heart issues like arrhythmia and angina
• Temporomandibular disease (bad pain in your jaw especially when eating).
• Might be pregnant or still breastfeeding.
• Less than 18 years old.

* The FDA has noted that there are no significant concerns in using this gum.

Take Note

• Keep nicotine gum out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before or during use. Food and drinks that are acidic such as soda and coffee can stop the efficacy of the gum.
• Nicotine gum is sugar free, but it may stick to dentures, dental caps, or partial bridges.
• May cause stomach upset
• This gum comes in many different flavours and if you do not like the flavor of one, can always drop by the pharmacy to get other flavours.

In the market, there are 7 types of nicotine replacement medicines (the nicotine patch, lozenge, gum, oral inhaler, and nasal spray) and pill medicines (varenicline and bupropion SR). All of them are approved by FDA. For more efficacy and faster results, combine this gums with smoking cessation programs like support groups, counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy.

To all those intending to quit smoking, all the best in your journey and may the gum and force be with you!