Nicotine is a highly addictive drug that occurs naturally in tobacco plants. According to Drugs.com, nicotine gum was approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration in 1984 to help individuals stop smoking. Nicotine gum contains small amounts of nicotine and helps to reduce severe withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping smoking.
Hyperinsulinemia and Insulin Resistance
In the January 2002 issue of the "Journal of American College of Cardiology," a study by Thomas Neunteufl et al showed that nicotine causes damage to the endothelial lining of the arteries, an accumulation of fatty acids and plaques, thereby increasing an individual's risk of stroke and heart attack. A study conducted by Bjorn Eliasson et al and published in the 1996 issue of "Circulation" examined the long terms effects of nicotine gum in 20 healthy, middle-aged men who were long users of nicotine gum. The study showed that long term use of nicotine gum was strongly associated with hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. Long term use of nicotine gum suppresses insulin output creating decreased sensitivity to insulin and eventually insulin resistance. Furthermore, this study found a positive correlation between these major metabolic aberrations and increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Cardiovascular
Long term use of nicotine causes an increase in the heart rate and blood pressure, according to Drugs.com. Tachycardia--increased heart rate originating above the ventricular tissue--as well as arrhythmia or an abnormal heart rhythm originating above the ventricular tissue is also observed in individuals who use nicotine gum for prolonged periods of time. Nicotine may also cause coronary artery vasoconstriction in patients with coronary artery disease. Furthermore, long-term use of nicotine causes heart arrhythmia in patients with coronary heart disease.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Gastrointestinal problems such as an upset stomach and nausea are side effects commonly associated with long-term use of nicotine drugs. Nicotine is delivered to the gastrointestinal tract via chewing the gum. According to Drugs.com, dyspepsia, flatulence, stomatitis and diarrhea are gastrointestinal problems associated with long term exposure to nicotine gum.
References
- Drugs.com: Nicorette
- "Journal of American College of Cardiology"; Contribution of Nicotine to Acute Endothelial Dysfunction in Long-Term Smokers; Thomas Neunteufl, M.D et al; 16 January, 2002.
- " Circulation"; Long-term Use of Nicotine Gum Is Associated With Hyperinsulinemia and Insulin Resistance; Bjorn Eliasson et al; 1996
- Drugs.com: Nicorette Side Effects
