If you've tried to quit smoking in the past and gone back to our old habits, you may need help from an over-the-counter supplement that provides small amounts of nicotine to your body. Nicotine is an addictive substance, and tapering off slowly may be a better solution for you. Nicorette Gum is a nicotine chewing gum that can help reduce your nicotine dependency and help you quit smoking for good.
Significance
Nicorette Gum is an aid to help people quit smoking. Nicorette Gum is not approved for use in individuals trying to stop using chewing tobacco, smoking a pipe or smoking cigars. Nicorette Gum is available over-the-counter to individuals 18 and older at drugstores and grocery stores. Individuals under 18 may be able to get Nicorette Gum with a doctor's prescription. Nicorette Gum can be used to help quit smoking no matter what type of cigarettes an individual smokes.
Types
Nicorette Gum is sold in two strengths: 4 mg of nicotine per dose and 2 mg of nicotine per dose. Nicorette suggests using the 4 mg dose if you smoke 25 or more cigarettes a day, and using the 2 mg dose if you smoke less than 25 cigarettes per day. Nicorette Gum also comes in several different flavors, including Original, Nicorette White Ice, Cinnamon Surge, Fruit Chill, Mint and FreshMint.
Time Frame
Nicorette Gum is recommended for 12 weeks of use in most cases. For the first six weeks, Nicorette recommends chewing nine or more pieces per day. For the three weeks following, Nicorette recommends chewing one piece approximately every two to four hours. For the final three weeks, Nicorette recommends chewing a piece of Nicorette Gum every four to six hours. Nicorette recommends chewing the gum for the full 12 weeks for best results, but does not suggest chewing the gum for longer than 12 weeks.
Considerations
Nicorette Gum should be stored in a dark place that is between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Nicorette suggests that Nicorette Gum users do not smoke while chewing the gum as it is intended to be an aid to help quit smoking. Nicorette advises users not to eat or drink at least 15 minutes before using Nicorette Gum to create the best pH for proper nicotine absorption through the mouth.
Warning
Nicorette Gum looks and tastes like regular gum, so accidental ingestion by children or pets is possible. Symptoms of nicotine overdose include diarrhea, nausea, headache, feeling dizzy, confusion, irregular heartbeat, chest pains, stomach pains or cold sweats. In some cases, nicotine overdose can cause serious permanent health problems or death. Children or pets that have accidentally consumed Nicorette Gum, as well as adults that are showing signs of overdose, should get medical attention as soon as possible.
