According to the American Heart Association, about 46 million Americans smoke cigarettes. Four in five say they want to quit, and more than a million smokers do quit each year, many with the help of aids such as Nicorette. Given the known dangers of smoking, that seems like a good thing. But for people who try repeatedly but can't kick the habit completely, what are the effects of their long-term use?
Is Nicorette the best option to stop smoking?
How It Works
The theory is simple. Nicotine is a highly addictive drug that acts on the brain, and the body goes into withdrawal when you stop smoking. Nicorette contains a controlled dose of nicotine, so you can replace some of the nicotine you're used to getting. The amount of nicotine is gradually reduced, so that your body has time to adjust. By the end of the course of treatment, you are also ready to stop using the nicotine gum.
Side Effects
Nicotine gum may not be the best option for all smokers, even if used short-term. Like all medications, Nicorette can have side effects, although less than 5 percent of people stop using nicotine replacement products because of those side effects. The most common complaints about nicotine gum are that it tastes bad or causes a tingling feeling on the tongue. Some people complain about hiccups, nausea, or heartburn while chewing the gum. There have also been complaints that the chewing can cause jaw pain.
Is Long-term Use Common?
According to the company's website, a 12-week course is recommended, but there anecdotal reports of people continuing to use the gum for months, and even years. A survey conducted by A.C. Nielsen found that anywhere from 5 percent to 9 percent of users reported using the gum for longer than three months. About half used it for six or more months. In "Addicted to Nicorette," researchers reported patients that had been using nicotine gum for five years, and even longer.
Is Nicorette Addictive?
Nicotine is addictive, whether it's gotten through a cigarette or a piece of gum. The dosage of nicotine in the gum is lower than in a cigarette, but it is still possible to develop an addiction. If you are physically addicted to nicotine gum, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it, such as headache, irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating.
Effects of Long-term Use
The long-term use of any drug, even nicotine gum, is a cause for concern, but research seems to indicate that the use of nicotine gum is a better alternative than continuing to smoke. John Hughes, M.D., spokesman for the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, has said, "The major harm from smoking is not caused by the nicotine." Hughes points the finger at the carcinogens and carbon monoxide introduced into the body from smoking cigarettes as the biggest cause of concern. Products like Nicorette provide nicotine without these toxins.
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