Nicotine Gum – An Easy Way To Stop Smoking

The cravings that smokers experience are mainly due to nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine is an addictive substance of tobacco that provides smokers with a daily stimulation. Nicotine Gum along with other Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can be used to overcome nicotine cravings.

Nicotine withdrawal can produce a number of unwanted symptoms that include: drowsiness, inability to concentrate, irritability, and a dry cough. Nicotine gum can help to alleviate some of these symptoms as well as allow a smoker to gradually cut down on the amount of nicotine that their system needs. Chewing nicotine gum can also cut back on exposure to other toxic substances produced when smoking.

Nicotine gum is an easy and popular nicotine replacement method. It leaves a smoker with the option of controlling how much or how little nicotine goes into their system. Having a cigarette in ones mouth becomes a habit. Chewing on nicotine gum can provide an oral replacement to help overcome this habit.

Many manufacturers offer nicotine gum in different strengths such as 4 mg and 2 mg doses. If you are a heavy smoker it is advised that you start off with gum that has a relatively high amount of nicotine such as 4 mg. As you’re nicotine dependence is reduced you can also lower the strength of the gum to 2mg.

It is advisable to consult with your pharmacist or doctor before using nicotine gum. They can offer guidelines in regards to the amount of gum you should take as well as the length of time the therapy should last. It is also important to note that using this gum with other medications may be dangerous and one should consult with their physician if you are taking any other medications.

At the start of your therapy the gum is usually taken at regular intervals and then slowly reduced over a period of weeks. To maintain a regular level of nicotine in the bloodstream, you can chew the gum at certain intervals throughout the day. Another alternative is to chew the gum only when there are cravings for cigarettes.

The gum should not be chewed continuously like regular gum. It should be chewed only until you feel a slight tingling in your mouth. When this occurs, stop chewing and place the gum between your cheek and teeth for approximately one minute until the tingling stops. You can then resume chewing again. It is advised to repeat this cycle for approximately 30 minutes or until there is no taste left in the gum.

It is advised to not use the gum for longer than tree months. During this period of time you want to gradually reduce the amount of gum you use to approximately two or three pieces per day.

Side Effects

There are relatively few side effects reported by many people, but one may experience adverse reactions such as: upset stomach, headaches, dizziness, or soreness in the mouth. Sever side effects may include: difficulty in breathing or seizures. Should these conditions persist for any length of time you should immediately consult with your doctor.

The nicotine replacement method has been success with thousands of people. The best method for you is a personal preference. The main advantage of chewing gum is that it can provide a smoker with controlled doses nicotine when needed. It is also one of the easiest methods to get started on.

Two key manufactures of nicotine gum include: Rite Aid and Nicorette.