Nicorette is a smoking cessation gum that contains nicotine to help curb cigarette cravings. According to MedlinePlus, it replaces the oral fixation of smoking with the action of chewing gum. Typically, people begin chewing one piece of Nicorette every one to two hours during the first six weeks. During weeks seven through nine, one piece is chewed every two to four hours. During weeks 10 to 12, one piece is chewed every four to eight hours, says the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Nicorette gum typically causes alterations in sense of taste and a sore mouth or throat. Nicorette's active ingredient is nicotine policrolex. This ingredient can irritate the mucosal (tissue) lining of the tongue, mouth and throat. Nicorette can also cause a headache, dizziness, hiccups, sneezing, constipation, watery eyes and stomach problems. Fortunately, none of these side effects are life threatening. However, discontinue Nicorette when these side effects last for more than three days.
Serious Side Effects
MedlinePlus indicates that Nicorette may cause such potentially life-threatening side effects as difficulty breathing, seizures and heart rhythm irregularities. Seizures are physical manifestations of chaotic electrical activity in the brain. A seizure that lasts for 30 minutes or more is medically known as status epilepticus, carrying a risk of permanent brain damage and even death. Heart rhythm abnormalities affect the pumping action of your heart. Bradycardia (slow heartbeats) can lead to hypotension (low blood pressure) and fainting; tachycardia (fast heartbeats) can lead to diaphoresis (sweating) and nausea. Potentially life-threatening rhythms include ventricular fibrillation (VF) or ventricular tachycardia (VT). Both are heart rhythm disorders that affect your heart's electrical conductivity system. Prolonged VF or VT can lead to asystole (no heartbeats). This is also known as cardiac arrest. Nicorette can also cause chest pain. Call 911 immediately when Nicorette causes these side effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Nicorette if you are allergic to nicotine. You may develop hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of your face, tongue or throat. Call 911.
Drugs.com recommends you stop using Nicorette when pregnant. The nicotine can seep into your oral membranes, reach blood vessels and transfer to the unborn child. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
Before chewing Nicorette, tell your physician if you have jaw problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), stomach ulcers or asthma, says Drugs.com. Nicorette may exacerbate these medical diseases.
Inform your physician if you take insulin, imipramine, oxazepam, propanolol, theophylline or pentazocine. Nicorette may combine with these drugs and lead to the aforementioned effects.
