Nicotine Gum to Stop Smoking

Cigarette smokers become physically addicted to nicotine. When they try to quit smoking they experience withdrawal symptoms like irritability, inability to concentrate, drowsiness, insomnia, and dry cough.

A Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can help overcome these symptoms. The most common and convenient NRT is nicotine gum. It is an effective aid to stop smoking because it reduces withdrawal symptoms while eliminating exposure to the other toxic substances in cigarette smoke.

Nicotine gum is popular because it allows the user to control how much nicotine enters the body. Nicotine gum also provides an oral substitute for cigarettes.

How Does it Work?

You can buy nicotine gum in different strengths. Heavy smokers should start with gum which has a 4 mg. of nicotine and then as the nicotine addiction drops off you can move to 2 mg. nicotine gum. These are the most common strengths of nicotine gum, and most manufacturers follow suit.

There are two basic methods for using nicotine gum to quit smoking. It can be taken at regular intervals throughout the day to maintain a certain level of nicotine in the bloodstream, or it can be taken anytime you feel the urge for a cigarette.

In either case, you need a schedule for reducing the amount of gum used. In most cases this schedule to quit smoking extends over several weeks. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for advise on how to use nicotine gum to stop smoking.

If you are taking any other medications you must consult with your doctor before using nicotine gum to quit smoking. Some medications cannot be taken with nicotine gum.

Using Nicotine Gum

Don't chew nicotine gum the same way as other gum. It should only be chewed until you feel a tingling sensation in your mouth. At that time, "park" the gum between your teeth and your cheek until you no longer feel the tingling. This cycle is repeated for about 30 minutes.

You must gradually reduce the amount of nicotine gum you use every day. You should not use it for more than 3 months, so it is necessary to make a schedule so that after about 2 months you are down to, say, 3 pieces of nicotine gum a day.

Side Effects of Nicotine Gum

Most people can use nicotine gum to quit smoking without any side effects. A small percentage of users may experience headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, and soreness in the mouth.

If you have any of these side effects, discontinue the nicotine gum and consult your doctor.