Nicorette is a brand of nicotine gum that helps patients quit smoking by releasing a small amount of nicotine that is absorbed into the cheek when the gum is chewed. Nicorette helps patients quit smoking by lessening the severity of cigarette cravings and other withdrawal effects, but it my also carry health risks that should be discussed with your doctor before use.
Side Effects
Nicorette gum should be used exactly as directed. Even if Nicorette is used as indicated, some side effects may occur. These side effects include dizziness, blurred vision and feeling lightheaded, which may affect some people more than others. Do not drive until you are comfortable with how your body reacts to Nicorette gum. Other mild side effects include strange dreams, joint pain, insomnia, pain in the muscles, feeling nervous, feeling weak, sweating and dry mouth. Severe side effects from taking Nicorette gum include heart pounding, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, tongue or lips, hives or a rash. If you experience any severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women should not use Nicorette, because nicotine can damage the fetus. Nicorette gum will also cause small amounts of nicotine to be present in breast milk, so women who are using Nicorette gum should not breastfeed unless your doctor feels it is necessary.
Overdose
The maximum daily dose of Nicorette gum is 24 pieces. Do not exceed 24 pieces per day, or you risk overdose. Overdose is also possible with Nicorette gum if the patient chews several pieces at once, or several pieces in a row. If overdose is suspected, contact the Poison Control Center and go to the emergency room immediately. Side effects often accompany Nicorette overdose, including nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, feeling confused, loose stools, breathing difficulties, dizziness, salivating, feeling faint, fainting, irregular heartbeat, seizures, difficulty hearing, stomach pain, feeling weak and sweating. Overdose effects may also include diarrhea, rapid or irregular heart rate, circulatory collapse, convulsions and, rarely, death. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, go to the doctor or emergency room immediately.
Other Health Risks
Nicorette may make existing dental problems worse, and patients should get a dental examination before using the gum. Nicorette gum can damage dental work, dentures and caps. Cardiac arrest, heart failure and death has been very rarely reported in patients who were using Nicorette gum, although it is not proven that these reports are related to using the gum. Miscarriages have also been reported very rarely in patients who were using Nicorette gum.
