How To Use Nicotine Chewing Gum
Nicotine chewing gum is used as a substitute treatment to help you quit smoking painlessly and effectively.
There are a variety of nicotine chewing gums. They contain different levels of nicotine, between 2 and 4 mg. Nicotine is released slowly for the first 30 minutes depending on the intensity of grinding.
Doctors prescribe the use of nicotine gum at times when a person who wants to quit smoking feels a strong urge to smoke. The nicotine in chewing gum penetrates the mucous membranes more slowly than the nicotine in tobacco. Thus, the amount of nicotine in the blood is never as high as when smoking.
Although nicotine chewing gum can be used to quit smoking, it is important to note that you will not feel the same as if you were smoking.
Nicotine as a replacement therapy for smoking cessation
Nicotine is the main ingredient in tobacco and causes physical dependence on tobacco. Such addiction can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to quit smoking.
Nicotine acts as a replacement therapy, providing nicotine in the form of a chewing gum, spray, nasal spray and lozenge. All of these options lack the harmful additives of tobacco.
Smoking replacement therapy can also help alleviate some of the physical withdrawal symptoms so that a person can focus on the psychological aspect of quitting smoking.
How is nicotine chewing gum used?
Nicotine chewing gum should be ground gently and slowly for about 5-10 minutes until you notice the bitter and irritating taste of nicotine. Many people describe it as a small tingling in the mouth. Then you should stop grinding and put chewing gum between the gums and the inside of the cheeks. This makes the mucous membrane absorb nicotine more easily and slowly. When the taste disappears, grind again and place it in a different area.
The grinding process takes about 30 minutes, so you may need to repeat this process several times a day when trying to quit smoking. However, it is not recommended to start grinding another chewing gum until at least an hour has elapsed since the previous one. The reason for this is that it reduces the potential for side effects. Yes, it is chewing gum… but such chewing gum can lead to restless feelings due to its active ingredient.
Doctors also do not recommend using more than 24 chewing gums at 2 mg or 15 chewing gums at 4 mg per day. If you exceed these amounts, the risk of overdose also increases.
Doctors recommend grinding this chewing gum up to three times a day or 3-8 tablets a day. The recommendation takes into account the fact that one tobacco contains 1 mg of nicotine.
Additional instructions
- Do not grind such a jar vigorously or swallow saliva after grinding it. It can lead to discomfort in the mouth and throat as well as abdominal pain and other digestive problems.
- Nicotine also does not work when ingested, as it is not absorbed into the mucous membranes and is inactivated as soon as it enters the stomach.
- Also, do not eat or drink coffee or carbohydrate drinks and juices for at least 15 minutes before or after grinding. This is because such products can reduce nicotine absorption. However, water is allowed.
Keep these in mind when using nicotine chewing gum
In addition to the instructions in the previous section, we want to give you other things to keep in mind when using nicotine chewing gum:
- First, we recommend that you use this medication proactively in situations where you know you want to smoke tobacco. In general, you can use it whenever you feel like smoking.
- Second, keep nicotine gum with you at all times. They come in handy if you find yourself in a situation where you feel the need to smoke. Even taking tobacco in your hand greatly increases the risk of burning it.
- Finally, if you notice any of the following symptoms after using such chewing gum, visit your doctor or pharmacist:
- Irritation of mouth or gums
- Jaw and sore throat
- Increased salivation
Summary
Quitting smoking is possible, and a very healthy decision for you, your loved ones, and the planet. Just keep your goals clear and help yourself by taking advantage of good nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine chewing gum.
It will help you hold on to your willpower as well as stay disciplined.
