What is Nicotine Gum?
Nicotine gum is a chewing gum that contains nicotine and is designed to help smokers gradually reduce their nicotine cravings when trying to quit smoking. Nicotine gum works by releasing small amounts of nicotine into the bloodstream when chewed to substitute for the cigarettes a smoker would normally consume.
How Nicotine Gum Works
When Nicotine Gum is chewed, nicotine is slowly released from the gum and absorbed through the lining of the mouth into the bloodstream. This delivers nicotine to the brain in a similar way to smoking a cigarette. However, nicotine gum only contains around one-third of the nicotine in a typical cigarette, so it provides enough nicotine to temporarily relieve cravings without the same rush delivered by smoking. As gum is chewed less frequently over time, nicotine levels in the body gradually decrease in a controlled manner. This helps wean the body off its dependence on nicotine from cigarettes.
Directions for Using Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum comes in different strengths - usually 2 mg or 4 mg doses. When a craving occurs, users are instructed to pop one piece of gum in their mouth and chew it slowly until a tingling sensation appears. At that point, gum is parked between the cheek and gum and chewed intermittently until the craving subsides. Then gum is disposed of. Users are advised not to eat or drink anything sweet or acidic for 15 minutes before and during use as this impacts nicotine absorption. Nicotine gum is not intended as a substitute for long-term nicotine replacement but rather as a short-term aid for quitting smoking.
Effectiveness of Nicotine Gum
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated nicotine gum to be an effective smoking cessation aid. Some key findings include:
- Long-term abstinence rates approximately double among those using nicotine gum compared to unaided quit attempts.
- Maximum benefit is achieved when gum is used for up to 3 months, following instructions and tapering off gradually. Usage beyond this time does not significantly increase quit rates.
- Nicotine gum works best when combined with behavioral support programs that provide advice on coping strategies and managing cravings.
- The 4 mg dose tends to be more effective than the 2 mg dose, particularly for heavy smokers. However, both strengths have shown to significantly improve quit rates.
- Nicotine gum has few disadvantages and side effects when used properly. Common temporary effects include mouth soreness, hiccups and indigestion, which usually disappear within a few weeks.
Potential Drawbacks of Nicotine Gum
While nicotine gum has proven to be effective as a stop-smoking aid, some potential drawbacks exist:
- If chewed incorrectly such as chewing and swallowing instead of parking, nicotine absorption may be faster leading to side effects like nausea.
- Long-term safety of nicotine gum beyond 3 months is unknown as most clinical studies only evaluated short-term usage.
- Nicotine gum is not considered a cure-all for nicotine addiction and some people may still find it difficult to quit even with gum's support. Behavioral programs provide additional value.
- Gum is not recommended for people with mouth, dental or jaw problems that make chewing difficult or painful. Nicotine lozenges may be a better alternative.
- Nicotine gum may interact adversely with certain medicines, so medical advice should always be sought before using gum whilst on any prescription.
- Cost of purchasing nicotine gum for an extended period like several months can add up, so gum should be used judiciously according to instructions.
Deciding if Nicotine Gum is Right for You
Overall, nicotine gum has shown to almost double long-term quit rates compared to unaided quit attempts. However, it is not quite as effective as other nicotine replacement options like patches. Factors to consider when deciding if gum may help include:
- How dependent you are on cigarettes - heavier smokers benefit more from gum's higher nicotine doses.
- Whether you enjoy chewing gum - those who do not may find it less appealing versus patches or lozenges.
- If you have any mouth, dental or jaw problems - nicotine lozenges may be preferable.
- Your commitment level to following directions carefully - gum works best when used as instructed.
- Access to behavioral support - quit programs provide valuable tips to boost success with nicotine gum.
For many smokers, nicotine gum provides a convenient and effective way to gradually wean off cigarettes and beat nicotine addiction when used alongside behavioral counseling. While not a magic bullet, clinical studies clearly demonstrate gum can double chances of successfully quitting long-term.
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