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Tobacco Cessation: Nicotine Gum

About nicotine gum

Similar to the patch, nicotine gum is a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) that provides a steady, controlled release of nicotine (absorbed through the membrane of the mouth) throughout the day.  It can be used to relieve withdrawal symptoms at the beginning of quitting, to relieve urges to smoke (cravings) while quitting, or to avoid relapse months after quitting when a new stress or situation may trigger a strong urge to smoke.

While nicotine gum can lessen cravings, it is not a “cure” for smoking. But it can help you make changes in your lifestyle without having to deal with withdrawal symptoms. Over time, when you are more comfortable being a nonsmoker, use of nicotine gum can be reduced and then stopped.

 

What dosage will I need?

If you smoke fewer than 24 cigarettes per day, it is recommended that you use the 2 mg/piece of gum dosage. Use one piece every one to two hours for the first six weeks. Then use one piece every two to four hours for the next three weeks. Finally, use one piece of gum every four to eight hours for the next three weeks, until you gradually stop usage. Some people may find that they can taper their use more quickly than recommended. Do not exceed 24 pieces of gum a day or 12 weeks of usage.

If you smoke 24 or more cigarettes per day, it is recommended you used the 4 mg/piece of gum dosage. Use one piece every one to two hours for the first six weeks. Then use one piece every two to four hours for the next three weeks. Finally, use one piece of gum every four to eight hours for the next three weeks, until you gradually stop usage. Some may find that they can taper their use more quickly than recommended. Do not exceed 24 pieces of gum a day or 12 weeks of usage.

How to use nicotine gum

For nicotine gum to be the most effective, there are a few instructions that should be followed:

  • Stop all use of tobacco. Nicotine gum works by providing the user a steady, controlled release of nicotine throughout the day to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while getting rid of the high peaks of nicotine that result from smoking. An occasional cigarette at any point in quitting can trigger a relapse.
  • Chew nicotine gum very slowly and intermittently to release the nicotine.
  • Take a couple of chews, until you get a tingling sensation or a peppery taste in the mouth. The only way nicotine from gum can be absorbed is through the membrane lining the mouth. Nicotine that is swallowed will be wasted.
  • Once the tingling sensation or peppery taste begins, park the gum in a cheek for a few minutes, then continue to chew every once in awhile when the tingling subsides to release more nicotine from the gum. One stick of gum can be chewed up to 30 minutes then discarded. You need to keep from chewing and swallowing too quickly so that the nicotine can be absorbed.
  • Avoid acidic foods and beverages (coffee, colas, tea, fruit juices, etc.) 15 minutes before or while using the gum.
  • Read more important facts about Nicotine Relacement Therapy.

 

 

 

 

Consider this

More than 440,000 people die of tobacco-related illnesses in the U.S. every year. View additional tobacco facts on this site