Nicotine gum is one of five of nicotine replacement products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, states the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) reduces the unpleasant effects of nicotine withdrawal by delivering reduced amounts of nicotine into the body--without the hazards associated with smoking cigarettes. Like other types of NRT and smoking cessation aids, nicotine gum works best when it is incorporated into a comprehensive stop-smoking plan that includes counseling and other types of outside support.
Step 1
Choose nicotine gum in the strength most appropriate for your smoking habit. According to the NCI, nicotine gum is available in 2- and 4-mg strengths. If you smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day, you will likely get the best benefits from chewing the 4-mg gum, notes the NCI. Nicotine gum is available without a prescription.
Step 2
Chew a new piece of gum every one to two hours. This keeps a steady amount of nicotine in your body, notes the NCI, reducing symptoms of sudden withdrawal, such as anxiety, fatigue, irritability and insomnia.
Step 3
Bite the gum. Do not chew it as you would regular gum, cautions the Mayo Clinic. Continue to bite the gum until it releases a peppery flavor and your mouth tingles. Then proceed to Step 4.
Step 4
Tuck the gum between your gumline and cheek until the peppery taste and tingling go away. Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 so the gum releases more nicotine. The Mayo Clinic suggests repeating this process until there is no more nicotine left in the gum, after which the gum can be discarded.
Step 5
Stop smoking cigarettes. According to Drugs.com, if you choose to use nicotine gum and continue to smoke or use other tobacco products, this could be hazardous to your health.
Step 6
Taper use of nicotine gum gradually. The Mayo Clinic notes that this type of NRT is recommended for 12 weeks of use. As your cravings and withdrawal symptoms begin to subside, cut down the number of times you chew a piece of the gum.
Tips and Warnings
- Nicotine gum works best if you refrain from eating or drinking anything 15 minutes before you chew it or while it is in your mouth, notes the Mayo Clinic. If you do not think nicotine gum is for you, there are other types of NRT, including patches, lozenges, inhalers and nasal sprays. Patches and lozenges can also be purchased over-the-counter; however, you need a doctor's prescription for a nicotine inhaler or nasal spray.
- Nicotine gum can stick to dentures and other dental work, cautions the Mayo Clinic. Nicotine gum can cause side effects. According to Drugs.Com, these may include light-headedness, upset stomach, burping, constipation, hiccups, sore mouth or throat, headache, watery eyes, a dry or watering mouth, sneezing, coughing and changes in taste.
Things You'll Need
- Nicotine gum
