Nicotine Gum: Usage Instructions and Potential Side Effects
Tobacco products contain a high dosage of nicotine, which is an addictive substance. This is what makes it hard for smokers to get rid of this habit.
If you are someone who smokes, it is better to choose Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), such as nicotine gums and patches, in your effort to stop it. Without these, the cravings can often make you return to your old habits.
This is where NRTs come in to help. When you use NRTs to help you with your cravings, you increase your chance of successful smoking cessation to 50-80%. So, if you are considering stopping this habit, this is a probable area you can research on.
We did the research for you and have compiled here everything you need to know about nicotine gums, so dive in.
So, what is Nicotine gum, and How should you properly use it?
Nicotine gums are not your typical chewing gums. You cannot pop into your mouth and chew it whenever you like it. There is a standard procedure that has to be adopted to maximize the efficiency of nicotine gums and help subdue your cravings.
If you just chew nicotine gum, the nicotine content will be swallowed and will not have the intended effect. So, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides some tips on the best practices for using nicotine gum.
1. Bite into a nicotine gum slowly until you feel a slightly tingling sensation.
2. When you get the sensation, place it between your gums and teeth and let your body absorb the nicotine.
3. After a couple of minutes, take the gum out and bite it slowly
4. Then place the gum in a different part of your mouth (always between gum and teeth)
5. Repeat the above process several times until the gum does not provide a tingling sensation when bitten. This process might take 30 minutes. Feel free to discard the gum after its usage.
Some quick tips:
1. Nicotine gums come in different dosages. The dosage you should start with depends on the amount of cigarettes you smoke per day. If you are wondering which dosage you should begin with, you should contact a medical professional and get their advice on it.
2. Nicotine gums are supposed to be taken every once in a while. Talk to your medical professional and work out the duration based on your previous nicotine consumption. But make sure to take a gum when you have the craving for a cigarette. If you miss a dose, pick it up from your next dosage.
3. Avoid eating during and before the times you are taking nicotine gum because some foods are acidic, like sodas and coffees, which, when consumed along with nicotine gum, can neutralize the effect of the gum.
4. Nicotine gums contain a considerable amount of nicotine. Therefore, extra precautions have to be taken when storing it if you have kids or dogs in your house. If someone accidentally ingests these gums, then get medical help for them immediately.
What are some common side effects that you need to look out for?
Nicotine gums come with their very own set of side effects, and if you see these symptoms, then you have to seek professional help.
1. Allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest and throat, and trouble swallowing are side effects that you should be looking out for.
2. Signs of high blood pressure, dizziness, and passing out
3. Upset smoke or diarrhea
4. Confusion
5. Blurred eyesight
6. Fever symptoms such as cold sweats, sore throat and feeling weak
7. Abnormal heartbeat
What details should you disclose to your medical advisor before getting nicotine patches?
If you are someone who takes medication for asthma, blood pressure, or depression, then you need to communicate it with your healthcare provider. These medications, when taken with nicotine gums, can interact with each other and cause some unpleasant side effects.
It is also advised not to smoke, drink, or take illegal drugs along with nicotine gum, as they can react with each other as well.
Always go to regular checkups with your healthcare provider and track your progress. Consult with them to understand what additional steps you can take towards a successful smoking cessation.
Conclusion:
Nicotine patches and gums are just a small element in your journey towards stopping smoking. Take them with caution and practice self-control to completely free yourself from the grip of cigarettes and smoking.
FAQs:
1. Can nicotine gums help me stop my smoking habit?
Yes, nicotine gums are specifically made to help you quit smoking. Talk to a medical professional and decide on the correct dosage of nicotine gums that you can get started with. When you feel the craving for a cigarette, eat nicotine gum, and your cravings will subside.
2. Can I use nicotine gums like normal chewing gums?
No, you cannot use nicotine gum like regular chewing gum. When you chew a nicotine gum continuously, you will swallow the nicotine, and the effect is not achieved, and your cravings won’t subside. To properly use it, you have to chew the gum until you get a peppery sensation, place it between your gum and teeth for a while, and repeat this process until the peppery sensation is no longer present.
3. Can I eat as many nicotine gums as I want?
No, nicotine gums come in different dosages, and they should be taken only after consulting with a medical professional. Based on your smoking history, they will prescribe a dosage for you that you can follow.
