Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBrands and FlavorsUsageLength of TherapySide Effects and PrecautionsSigns and Symptoms of OverdoseChildren and PetsNicotine Gum AddictionSuccessFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Brands and Flavors

Usage

Length of Therapy

Side Effects and Precautions

Signs and Symptoms of Overdose

Children and Pets

Nicotine Gum Addiction

Success

Frequently Asked Questions

Nicotine gum (e.g., Nicorette) is a form oftherapeutic nicotinedesigned to help ex-smokers gradually reduce the amount ofnicotinethey are used to receiving daily from cigarettes.

Nicotine chewing gum is sugar-free and comes in two strengths: 2mg for people who have smoked fewer than 25 cigarettes a day, and 4mg for those who have smoked 25 or more cigarettes a day. It’s widely available over the counter (without a prescription) at pharmacies, department stores, and online stores.

Research indicates that nicotine gum therapy works well and may help up to a third of smokers who seek treatment to quit the habit.

Gum Brands and Flavors

Nicotine gum is marketed under several brand names, including Nicorette, Habitrol, Nicotrol, and Nicotinell, along with a variety of store brands.

All brands offer mint and fruit flavors. Additionally, Nicorette markets a Cinnamon Surge flavor.

Medicinally, there are no differences among brands, but consumers might prefer the taste of one over another.

How to Use Nicotine Gum

Chew nicotine gum slowly until you feel a mild tingling sensation. Then, nestle it between your cheek and gum. When the tingling stops, chew it slowly, placing it back between your cheek and gum when the tingling sensation returns. Continue this until all of the nicotine is released from the gum—approximately 30 minutes.

Precautions

Remember the following to get the most from your nicotine gum:

How Long Does Withdrawal From Nicotine Last?

Storage and Disposal

Keep nicotine gum in its packaging, at room temperature in a dark, dry place. When you’re done chewing it, wrap it up in paper and throw in the trash. Don’t flush it down the toilet or put it where kids and pets have access.

Length of Nicotine Gum Therapy

Tips for Reducing Gum UsageGradually decrease the amount of time you chew the gum. If you chew it for 30 minutes, drop down to 20 minutes, then 15, then 10, etc.Replace one piece of nicotine gum each day with regular, sugarless gum.If you use 4mg gum, switch to 2mg gum.Nicotine gum therapy should be completed within three months. If you have trouble stopping nicotine gum therapy, consult your doctor.

Tips for Reducing Gum Usage

Gradually decrease the amount of time you chew the gum. If you chew it for 30 minutes, drop down to 20 minutes, then 15, then 10, etc.Replace one piece of nicotine gum each day with regular, sugarless gum.If you use 4mg gum, switch to 2mg gum.Nicotine gum therapy should be completed within three months. If you have trouble stopping nicotine gum therapy, consult your doctor.

Nicotine Gum Side Effects and Precautions

Side effects commonly associated with nicotine gum therapy include:

Contact a healthcare provider immediately if any of the following occurs:

See a doctor before using nicotine gum if:

Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications you’re using before starting nicotine gum therapy.

Pros and Cons of Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Signs and Symptoms of Nicotine Overdose

To avoid nicotine overdose, don’t smoke or use any other nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) while using nicotine gum.

Signs and symptoms of a nicotine overdose can include:

If you suspect an overdose of nicotine, stop using the gum orlozengeand call your doctor immediately.

Keep Nicotine Gum Away From Children and Pets

Nicotine is poisonous, and nicotine gum contains enough nicotine to harm children and pets. Store in a safe place, and contact Poison Control services in your area in case of an overdose.

Nicotine gum is used on an as-needed basis. Because of this, the potential to abuse this particular quit aid is significant.

Remember that nicotine gum is a serious medication that you must use exactly as directed. Carefully wean yourself off of it in the amount of time suggested when you’re done using it.

How to Quit Nicotine Gum

Success Quitting With Nicotine Gum

Although nicotine gum can help you quit smoking, it’s not a miracle drug. The possibility for success lies withinyou, not any product.

Develop your willand determination to quit smoking one day at a time, and be patient with yourself.

Time, patience and support will help you beat nicotine addiction. Believe in yourself and be willing to do the work for as long as it takes for you to quit smoking.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWean yourself off of nicotine gum gradually. Consult your doctor for advice, especially if you’re having difficulty quitting the gum and/or other forms of nicotine.Nicotine overdose can cause:DizzinessUpset stomachSevere headacheVomitingCold sweatDroolingConfusionBlurred visionHearing problemsWeakness or faintingNicotine gum helps with the withdrawal symptoms you might experience as you quit smoking. It provides small amounts of nicotine. Gradually, you reduce the amount of gum you chew and the frequency with which you chew it.Nicotine gum contains much less nicotine than cigarettes. Therefore, the risk of gum addiction is very low.

Wean yourself off of nicotine gum gradually. Consult your doctor for advice, especially if you’re having difficulty quitting the gum and/or other forms of nicotine.

Nicotine overdose can cause:DizzinessUpset stomachSevere headacheVomitingCold sweatDroolingConfusionBlurred visionHearing problemsWeakness or fainting

Nicotine overdose can cause:

Nicotine gum helps with the withdrawal symptoms you might experience as you quit smoking. It provides small amounts of nicotine. Gradually, you reduce the amount of gum you chew and the frequency with which you chew it.

Nicotine gum contains much less nicotine than cigarettes. Therefore, the risk of gum addiction is very low.

2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tang JL, Law M, Wald N.How effective is nicotine replacement therapy in helping people to stop smoking?BMJ. 1994;308(6920):21-26. doi:10.1136/bmj.308.6920.21How to use nicotine gum. CDC.Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Nicotine Gum.October 15, 2017.

2 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Tang JL, Law M, Wald N.How effective is nicotine replacement therapy in helping people to stop smoking?BMJ. 1994;308(6920):21-26. doi:10.1136/bmj.308.6920.21How to use nicotine gum. CDC.Additional ReadingMedlinePlus.Nicotine Gum.October 15, 2017.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Tang JL, Law M, Wald N.How effective is nicotine replacement therapy in helping people to stop smoking?BMJ. 1994;308(6920):21-26. doi:10.1136/bmj.308.6920.21How to use nicotine gum. CDC.

Tang JL, Law M, Wald N.How effective is nicotine replacement therapy in helping people to stop smoking?BMJ. 1994;308(6920):21-26. doi:10.1136/bmj.308.6920.21

How to use nicotine gum. CDC.

MedlinePlus.Nicotine Gum.October 15, 2017.

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