Nicotine gum how many mg

Avoid acidic substances like coffee, soft drinks, and juices for at least 15 minutes prior to and during gum use. Nicotine gum has several advantages over the nicotine patch :. Do not smoke while using the gum or you could end up with a nicotine overdose. You should talk with your doctor before using nicotine gum if you've ever had heart problems, high blood pressure, ulcers , an overactive thyroid , or dentures or some other types of dental work.

Nicotine gum may offer the help you need to quit smoking. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website.

Cancel Continue. This is a corrected version of the handout that appeared in print. When you are ready to quit smoking, you may want to use nicotine replacement therapy to help you give up cigarettes. The cost of nicotine replacement therapy is about the same or less than the cost of cigarettes. The nicotine patch, gum, nasal spray and inhaler are all forms of nicotine replacement therapy.

All forms of nicotine replacement can help lessen your urge to smoke. This means you have less craving for nicotine when you stop smoking. You may still feel a craving to smoke, but don't smoke while using the patch, gum, nasal spray or inhaler. Almost every smoker can benefit from using nicotine replacement therapy. If you are pregnant or if you have heart or blood vessel problems, your doctor will be careful about giving you the nicotine patch or gum.

Most smokers should start using a full-strength patch 15 to 22 mg of nicotine every day for 4 weeks and then a weaker patch 5 to 14 mg of nicotine for another 4 weeks. Many smokers should start using the 2-mg dose.

However, you may want to start with 4-mg gum if you:. If you are a very light smoker less than 10 to 15 cigarettes a day or have health problems, your doctor can help you select the right dose. Any of these treatments can help once you are ready to quit. The choice is up to you. Some people don't like the taste of the gum or don't like chewing in public.

They prefer the patch. Other people have been unable to quit on the patch and want to try the gum. Some people prefer to use a nasal spray and some prefer the inhaler. Using the nicotine patch, gum, nasal spray or inhaler almost doubles your chances of quitting. Here is some information to help you decide which one is right for you. At the start of each day, place a new patch on a part of your body between the neck and the waist.

Put the patch on a new spot each day to lessen skin irritation. Some people who use the patch get a rash on their body where the patch is placed. Skin rashes are usually mild and easily treated. Moving the patch to another area of the body helps. You can buy the patch without a doctor's prescription. Nicotine gum also delivers much less nicotine to your body than a cigarette would. Nicotine gum comes in several flavors and in two strengths: 2 mg and 4 mg.

Start with the 4 mg strength if you smoke 25 or more cigarettes a day or if your doctor recommends it. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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