Nicotine Gum

To use nicotine gum, read the instructions included with the packaging. Most gums follow these basic guidelines:

1. Chew one piece every one to two hours, or when getting the urge to smoke.
2. Chew for a few seconds, until a tingling sensation is felt or flavor is tasted.
3. Tuck the gum into the side of the mouth until the flavor disappears.
4. Repeat this process for about 30 minutes.

This helps keep cigarette cravings away because of the way it works. Chewing the gum breaks it down. When it is tucked away, the nicotine that was released has time to absorb into the blood vessels just under the lining of the oral cavity. Drinking or eating 15 minutes before or during the chewing will decrease the effectiveness of the gum, as it will interfere in the absorption of the nicotine into a person’s system.

Chew pieces slowly. Chewing too fast will result in the nicotine being released into saliva, which is then swallowed. It will cause a stomachache and more cravings. Do not use more than one piece at a time or one right after another. Using on a regular schedule at first may help get better results. Most people need around 15 pieces a day, but more than 24 should not be used without a doctor’s supervision.

Gradually decreasing the amount of gum chewed will help the process move along. Trying to reduce the amount of chewing time will also help. Gum should not be used more than three months at a time. If needed for over six months, consult a physician.

Name brand and generic gums are available in several flavors, like original, fruit, and mint. Because of the cost of the gum, check out brands and vendors before purchasing a system.

Warnings and Interactions

Serious complications can occur if other medications are used in conjunction with nicotine gum, or if the person using has a health condition. These things should be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist before beginning treatment.

Inform a doctor if you have ever experienced the following problems:

• Heart attack
• Irregular heart beat
• Angina
• Ulcers
• Overactive thyroid
• Pheochromocytoma
• Dental conditions
• High blood pressure

Taking medications with the following ingredients may produce undesirable results:

• Acetaminophen
• Caffeine
• Diuretics
• Imipramine
• Insulin
• Blood pressure medications
• Pentazocine
• Propranolol

Other medications not listed may also cause complications. Check the brand you are using and speak with a pharmacist if taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

Side Effects

As with any medication, side effects are to be expected when using nicotine gum. Some mild side effects include:

• Mouth ulcers
• Soreness in jaw
• Dizziness
• Hiccups
• Increased saliva production
• Indigestion
• Upset stomach
• Headache

Serious side effects include seizures, heart rhythm disturbances, and breathing difficulty. Call a doctor immediately if you should experience any of those symptoms.

Gum should only be used when needed. People who smoke less than 25 cigarettes a day should use the 2 mg gum. Those who smoke more than that should start with the 4 mg and work their way down to 2. If you use a gum with too much nicotine, or use other nicotine products with gum, overdose may occur. Stop using the gum and consult a physician. Symptoms of an overdose include:

• Cold sweat
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Blurred visions
• Pounding heart
• Fainting

Some people may have an allergic reaction to the gum. Allergic reactions can produce itching, swelling, dizziness, rash, or trouble breathing.

Gum should be kept out of reach of children. Pregnant or nursing women should not use nicotine gum, as it may be passed from mother to child.