How Nicotine Gum Works

by Angela Petterson

The nicotine gum belongs to the family of nicotine replacement therapies.

It is designed to help people quit smoking as a smoking alternative. It is also known as the nicotine chewing gum. Other smoking alternatives include nicotine lozenges, nicotine spray and nicotine inhaler.

The nicotine chewing gum is designed in a similar form as the standard chewing gum. As a smoking cessation product it is meant to help quitting smokers deal with the terrible cravings of cigarettes. The gum is usually supplied in boxes with up to 100 pieces.

Patients take the pieces one at a time in response to cravings. Nicotine from the chewing gum is delivered into the bloodstream via mouth tissue absorption. This helps contain nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Each piece contains 2 to 4mg of nicotine matching or double that found in a cigarette.

Nicotine gum is administered by chewing a piece of gum until one feels a tingling sensation or "peppery" taste. It is then tucked in-between cheek and gum. This will be followed by nicotine absorption into the system.

The same process is repeated until the chewing gum runs out of nicotine at which time it can be spit out. This process takes up to 30 minutes during which cravings are successfully subdued. Instructions on the manufacturer packaging indicates the maximum number of quit smoking gum pieces that can be chewed per day. Exceeding the set limit will result in nicotine overdose which can cause nicotine poisoning.

Nicotine gum is designed for short-term use meant to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Some users have complained of nicotine chewing gum addiction lasting for years. Often addiction is as a result of misuse of the gum.

The stop smoking gum is an important step getting away from the 4000 toxins and over 500 additives found in tobacco cigarettes. This makes it a more healthier smoking substitute. The leading brands of nicotine chewing gum are Nicorette and Equate amongst others.

However, the nicotine chewing gum is associated with the following side effects;

• Hiccups
• Throat muscle constriction
• Gum disease
• Loss of hair in both sexes
• Pregnant women birth defects

The quit smoking gum has been shown to produce better results when used in combination with a quit smoking program. Quit programs are designed often to meet personal situations and circumstances making it easier to overcome huddles. Ultimately this will lead to reduced chances of a smoking relapse.

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