We all have grown up chewing and creating gum bubbles. We all loved the different flavors! But do you know? Chewing gum actually dates back at least 6000 years! It is a surprisingly ancient human behavior. The ancient Greeks even chewed gum with antiseptic properties to freshen their breath!
And it was only in the 1980s that researchers saw the potential of nicotine-infused chewing gum to combat the side effects of quitting smoking! In this blog, we will walk you through everything you need to know about nicotine gums! But before we jump into that, let’s talk a little about smoking and why it becomes challenging to quit smoking.
Cigarettes are made of – tobacco, chemical additives, a filter, and wrapping paper. Nicotine ( a drug that is naturally present in tobacco) is one of the chemical substances present in cigarettes that makes them addictive. When a cigarette is smoked, nicotine gets released into our system and gets absorbed into the bloodstream. Within seconds, nicotine releases dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a feel-good hormone that gives people a feeling of ‘relief’. It also reduces stress and enhances concentration. Over time, our body gets used to nicotine and craves it, resulting in nicotine addiction.
So what are nicotine chewing gums?
Nicotine gum is a medicated chewing gum that delivers a dose of nicotine orally. It is intended to help people provide the body nicotine that they need via unharmful means. While it contains the chemical responsible for the addictiveness of tobacco products, nicotine gum doesn’t include any of the other harmful substances. It’s also sugar-free. It helps in dealing with withdrawal symptoms and takes care of nicotine cravings.
Benefits of nicotine gums:
If you have a smoking habit or use tobacco, nicotine gums come forward as a convenient replacement for those for a variety of reasons. The fact that they are available in different doses gives you the flexibility to choose the dose as per your need. They are readily available and easy to consume. You do not have to leave a room to chew on them. They also help with oral fixation and help you deal with withdrawal symptoms in an efficient way. The controlled release keeps the withdrawal symptoms away and keeps you on track on your quitting journey.
How to take nicotine gums?
The first thing that you need to know about nicotine gum is that it is not your regular chewing gum!
You have to chew it a few times and then “pause” and place it between your cheek and gum. The nicotine is absorbed mostly in your mouth. Wait for a few minutes and repeat this exercise. You can continue repeating this till the time your gum stops producing the tingling sensation or till you get the flavor from the gum.
Important things to remember while taking nicotine-chewing gums!
1. Do not swallow the Nicotine Chewing Gum. It will give you a terrible stomachache or will make the craving worse.
- For 2mg gums, you can chew up to one piece of gum per hour, with a view to reducing the frequency of use as your smoking cessation program progresses. Do not use more than 24 pieces in a day.
4mg gums should be taken as directed by the physician
- If you miss taking a gum at a point in time, do not use 2 pieces to make up for it. Either use a piece of gum as soon as you can or simply wait until the next time.
Are there any side effects of nicotine gums?
The short answer is – yes. The side effects are usually dose-dependent and may not be experienced by all users. Common side effects are:
- Hiccups
- Throat irritation
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Jaw ache due to chewing
However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, discontinue using the gums and seek medical help urgently:
- Irregular heartbeat or increased heart rate
- Trouble breathing
- Rash
- Seizure
Key takeaway – Nicotine gum acts as a great aid that helps quit smoking. If used properly, it will help quit cigarettes or tobacco consumption, decrease withdrawal symptoms and reduce the chances of relapse!
