Nicotine Replacement Therapies-Nicotine Gum
Nicotine chewing gum releases small amounts of nicotine into the body. This cuts down on withdrawal
symptoms and makes it easier to break the smoking addiction. Nicotine gum is available over-the-counter
and the recommended treatment period is 12 weeks. Quitters typically will expect to chew around 10 to
15 pieces of gum a day. Package instructions explain how the gum is to be chewed. Drinks such as
coffee or soda should be avoided before, during and after use of the gum.
Nicotine gum is not designed to be chewed like normal gum. Rather it is used in the "chew and park" method. When you insert a piece of gum into your mouth, chew it a few times to break it down, then park it between your gum and cheek and leave it there. The nicotine from the gum will make its way into your system via the blood vessels just under the lining of the oral cavity. If you continue chewing without parking, the nicotine will be released directly into the saliva in your mouth, which will eventually be swallowed, leaving you with a nasty stomachache and a craving for a cigarette.
It is important to note that a tobacco user should quit completely before using a Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Smokers should not smoke any cigarettes while use the patch or any other NRT.
Click on the links below to explore the different NRTs available:
Updated: 5/22/09
