Quitting smoking is one of the hardest addictions to kick. However, itīs important to remember that it is possible. In fact, in todayīs modern world itīs easier than ever before to quit smoking. In the past you had to quit cold turkey, but today science has provided ways to help the smoker with their addiction. One of these ways is nicotine gum.
Nicotine gum looks much like ordinary gum, except it is packed with 2-4mg of nicotine, which is roughly equivalent to 1-2 cigarettes. When a recovering smoker feels the urge to have a smoke, they simply chew the gum in its place, releasing the nicotine into their body, squashing their need for a cigarette.
But is it safe to use nicotine gum, and are there any harmful or lasting side effects?
There are side effects associated with using nicotine gum, but they arenīt lasting or particularly harmful. It is important to note, that if you suffer from diabetes, allergies, chest pains or are pregnant, you shouldnīt use nicotine gum. Before using nicotine gum, you should first check with your family doctor and make him or her aware that you plan on using it.
Here is a list of the most common side effects people suffer from, while using nicotine gum:
- Tingling sensation in your mouth, accompanied by a peppery taste. This is caused because of the nicotine that the gum contains, and canīt be avoided.
- You may get mouth sores, but they usually disappear within a few days of using nicotine gum.
- Increased saliva.
- Your jaw muscles may ache.
- Indigestion.
- Headaches.
- Light-headedness.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Hiccups.
- Insomnia.
It is important to note that most of these possible side effects, such as vomiting, nausea, light-headedness, headaches and indigestion can be avoided by chewing the gum more slowly. If you chew the nicotine gum too quickly, you release the nicotine much faster, which can cause many of the above symptoms to appear.
If you begin to use nicotine gum, and suffer from cold sweats, confusion, fainting, shortness of breath or dizziness, you should see you family doctor immediately. These could be possible signs that you're allergic to the gum.
The recommended dosage for the first month of using nicotine gum is 10-12 pieces per day. If you chew more than this, you risk over-dosing your body with nicotine and are far more likely to suffer the above side effects.
For most people, nicotine gum provides a safe way to quit smoking. With a little aid from nicotine gum and a lot of determination, you're sure to be a step closer to quitting for good!
For more information please refer to nicotine gum warning and cautions.
Related Articles
How To Use Nicotine Gum Effectively
Nicotine chewing gum should be chewed like ordinary gums however. There is a "proper" way to use the Nicotine gum to have proper effects - you take the gum chew it a bit till it becomes soft and its peppery taste is released and then literally park it in your mouth between the cheek and teeth where it will release slowly the Nicotine it contains.