Nicotine Lozenges

Nicotine lozenges are a relative new from of nicotine replacement therapy. NRT lozenges are most suitable for people who wish to control the dose of nicotine received. It is also a great alternative for people who can't use nicotine chewing gum (eg people with dentures).

How it Works

Nicotine lozenges provide an alternative source of nicotine without exposure to harmful tars and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke. Nicotine is released in controlled amounts when the lozenge is slowly dissolved in the mouth and absorbed through the mouth tissue.

Which Strength to Choose

Nicotine lozenges comes in 2 strengths, 2 mg and 4 mg. Use the 2 mg lozenges if you smoke your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking up. Use the 4 mg lozenges if you smoke your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up.

How to Use

Before you start using any nicotine replacement therapy, you should stop smoking completely.

Avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes before using the lozenge or while using the lozenge. Using the lozenge is simple:

1. Place the lozenge in your mouth
2. Allow the lozenge to slowly dissolve and occasionally move the lozenge from one side of your mouth to the other until completely dissolved
3. It should take about 20 to 30 minutes for 1 lozenge to fully dissolve

While dissolving the lozenge in your mouth, you may feel a tingling or warm sensation.

Nicotine lozenges and other nicotine replacement therapies are designed to be tapered down over 12 weeks. Here is a guide on when and how to taper down:

Week 1 to 6	Use 1 lozenge every 1 to 2 hours
Week 7 to 9	Use 1 lozenge every 2 to 4 hours
Week 10 to 12	Use 1 lozenge every 4 to 8 hours

Ways to taper down the dose of nicotine from nicotine lozenges:

1. use the nicotine lozenge less frequently throughout the day
2. substitute nicotine lozenge with sugar free candy

Cautions

When using nicotine lozenges, you may experience heartburn or indigestion if you

• consume the nicotine lozenge too fast
• chew or swallow the lozenge

Additional cautions to take note of while using nicotine lozenges are to avoid:

• using more than one lozenge at a time
• continuously using one lozenge after another
• using more than 20 lozenges per day

Nicotine lozenges may cause nicotine overdose if you continue to smoke, chew tobacco, use snuff and/or use a nicotine patch or other nicotine-containing products. Symptoms of nicotine overdose are:

• nausea
• vomiting
• dizziness
• weakness
• rapid heartbeat