Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum is used by people who want to quit smoking. Withdrawal from nicotine causes a number of adverse side effects which include:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• People get tired easily
• People have trouble concentrating

It's no secret that smoking causes cancer and the gum can keep people away from the dangers of smoking by allowing you to get as much nicotine into your system as you need. It also meets the psychological need of having something in your mouth.

Many times people are as addicted to this psychological withdrawal of the habit. It can be almost as powerful as the physical addiction. Whether it's the something between your fingers or the after-dinner lighting-up ritual, many people find these more difficult to replace than the actual nicotine.

While using the gum, you must stay off smoking throughout the therapy. In fact, the rules are much the same as for nicotine patches. However, unlike patches that provide a constant nicotine supply to the bloodstream, you start chewing the gum when you feel like having a cigarette. It talks about half an hour of slow chewing to use up all the nicotine, so in fact the gum lasts longer that a cigarette!

About 10 to 14 pieces a day is normal to start with, which is a bit less than the number of cigarettes the average smoker would smoke, but keep in mind that a piece of gum lasts about 3 - 4 times longer than the average cigarette! As your desire or craving for nicotine subsides, you will have to chew fewer pieces each day until you eventually stop. Just like any other method of quitting, the first month is always the hardest. If you get past the first difficult month then you have almost won the battle.

There are some possible side effects that you should be aware of, and also some precautions to take if you have any existing health conditions. The following are some side effects that you should be aware of:

• Sore jaw
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Increased heart rate
• Faintness

Some of these are minor compared to the effects of smoking. However if you experience any of the more serious ones like increased heart rate or faintness, you should consult your doctor.

While it is almost impossible to overdose, the following is a list of other important facts to consider before starting on the gum:

• Consult a doctor if you have angina or any other heart condition
• Do not use during pregnancy
• Do not use if you are breast feeding. It will get into your milk and affect the baby

There are two strengths available: 2mg and 4mg. Your pharmacist should be able to help you to choose the most appropriate for you. Be sure to let them know if you are taking other medication, because sometimes there can be interactions.

The gum is available in five flavors: Cinnamon Surge, Fruit Chill, FreshMint, Original and Mint. However isn't candy and should not be used by non-smokers.

Regardless of the side effects, which are rare, nicotine gum is a very successful way for many people to stop smoking. Don't be afraid to give it a try. It may be the one the works for you.

I recommend using Hocks.com for all your nicotine replacement needs. Since 1997 they have helped millions stop smoking and you could be next. They offer a wide variety of non-prescription drugs including Nicorette patches and gum. With over 4,000 items available and competitive prices, you can't go wrong. Be sure to quit smoking now with Hocks.com