Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum is not used like ordinary chewing gum. You chew it a few times and then “park” it between your cheek and the space below your teeth. The nicotine is absorbed mostly in your mouth.

Pros:

• Can be used regularly and when you feel withdrawal symptoms or urges coming on.
• Acts faster than nicotine patch or quit-smoking pills.
• Can be used with the patch to deal with breakthrough urges.
• You control how often you use it so you won’t get more nicotine than you want.
• May help delay weight gain associated with quitting.
• Comes in two strengths.
• May help substitute for a cigarette because you put it in your mouth.
• Available without a prescription (over-the-counter).

Cons:

• You have to remember to use it regularly and often.
• You should not eat or drink for 15 minutes before using or when it is in your mouth.
• Some people don’t like the taste or feel of nicotine gum.
• May be hard to use if you have dentures or other dental work.
• Requires learning how to use properly to work and to avoid side effects.
• Can cause stomach upset.

Possible Side Effects (and what you can do about them):

• Mouth or jaw soreness (don’t chew it like gum – learn more about how to use).
• Stomach discomfort, hiccups, and too much saliva (do not chew, suck or swallow; try lower dose or wait longer between doses).
• Light-headedness, nausea/vomiting, throat and mouth irritation from getting too much nicotine too fast (review use instructions – don’t chew like gum).

Nicotine Gum Precautions (If any of these apply to you, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider before starting to use gum.):

• A heart attack in the last two weeks.
• A serious heart rhythm problem.
• Pain in your heart (angina) that is serious or getting worse.
• TMJ disease (bad pain in your jaw especially when eating).
• Could be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• Less than 18 years old.

More precautions and general information are available about nicotine gum.