Nicotine is found in tobacco products that may be smoked or chewed. When a person is trying to quit smoking or chewing tobacco-containing products, he may be able to lessen cravings for the drug by chewing gum that contains nicotine. Such medicated gum is marketed in the United States under several brand names, including Nicorette and Habitrol. These medicines are sold over the counter, meaning without a prescription. Nicotine is contained within a gum base and used in smoking-cessation programs to wean the person off the drug.
Abnormal Dreams
Someone who chews nicotine gum may experience abnormal dreams when she first begins using it. This may occur because of the stimulant effect of nicotine. The brain's inability to relax because of this stimulation may cause vivid nightmares. Drugs.com states that these dreams typically last a few nights, then go away. She should talk with her physician about these dreams only if they continue beyond a few days after starting the nicotine replacement therapy.
Insomnia
The stimulating effect of the nicotine gum may make it difficult for the user to sleep, Drugs.com reports. This problem typically will go away after a few days while he continues to chew the gum. It is not classified as a serious side effect. He may avoid sleep problems by chewing the gum early in the day rather than near bedtime. If he does this and insomnia continues beyond a few days, he should tell his physician about it.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth occurs because of the sympathetic nervous system being stimulated. This is a common and nonserious side effect of this drug. Conversely, the Mayo Clinic states that chewing the gum may cause more mouth watering than normal while chewing. This, too, is a nonserious side effect that should disappear in a few days. If either of these side effects continues or becomes annoying, it should be reported to the person's physician.
Nervousness
Nervousness is a common, nonserious side effect of nicotine gum that, like insomnia, may be caused by the stimulant's effects. Many people complain of feeling nervous and jittery while chewing the gum. It should be temporary in most people.
Weakness and Pain
The person taking nicotine gum as a replacement for smoking may feel he is weaker than normal or he may feel fatigued without apparent cause. He also may experience pain in his joints and muscles because of the drug's side effects. These are categorized as nonserious and temporary side effects, Drugs.com reports.
Mouth Injury
The Mayo Clinic reports that chewing nicotine gum can cause the common serious side effect of injury to the mouth. The chewer may experience irritation in her mouth, on her dental work or in her teeth. Her mouth also may be hurt by the gum. She should tell her doctor about any such problems as soon as possible.
