Harmful Effects of Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum is a drug that belongs in the smoking cessation aid group. Nicotine gum is used to help people stop smoking. Nicotine gum contains nicotine and therefore should be used according to instructions. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance. The main negative side effects of nicotine are: gum dependence, untimely hair loss, increased stomach issues, higher risk of oral cancer, & sleep deficiency. Most nicotine gum side effects start when you use it for a longer period than what is recommended – 3 months. The use of nicotine gum should not be taken lightly because it contains nicotine and consuming it has harmful effects to your body.

1. Gum Dependence

Gum dependence is an addiction to nicotine gum that means you need to consume it and cannot stop using it. Nicotine gum causes cum dependence because it contains nicotine and nicotine is a highly addictive substance. Nicotine is a short-lived drug so it can lead to a cycle of constant use to relive the pleasurable sensation, the feeling of “high”. The more you use the nicotine the bigger the dosages will get for getting the same feeling as in the beginning, a person’s reaction to the same dosage of nicotine becomes gradually weaker. Gum dependence can happen within 1 day or 3 months. 

2. Untimely Hair Loss

Untimely hair loss means that you lose your hair quicker than you would normally without the influence of outside factors. When you use nicotine gum the nicotine absorbs into your system. Nicotine can weaken blood circulation which means that hair follicles do not get enough nutrients. That can lead to hair follicles getting damaged and falling out. Untimely hair loss due to using nicotine gum will happen when you use it more than 3 months, do not follow the healthcare professional’s advice or use other nicotine products while using nicotine gum.

3. Increased Stomach Issues

Increased stomach issues mean the following issues: bloating, indigestion, abdominal distress, and nausea. It happens because nicotine from the nicotine gum is absorbed into your body and starts getting reactions from the body. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can cause the body to react in different ways to its usage. Increased stomach issues will happen within a few days after using nicotine gum.

4. Higher Risk of Oral Cancer

Higher risk of oral cancer means that you are more likely to get oral cancer than you would be when you would not be using nicotine gum. Higher risk of oral cancer is due to the fact that long-term users of nicotine gum are more susceptible to mutations in their FOXM1 gene and that mutation is what causes cancer. Higher risk of oral cancer starts when you have been using nicotine gum for more than three months.

5. Sleep Deficiency

Sleep deficiency means that you do not get enough sleep, sleep at the wrong time in the day, you do not sleep well or get all the types of sleep your body needs. Since nicotine in the nicotine gum is a stimulant, it masks the sleepiness and blocks you from understanding what your body needs at what times and that leads to disturbances in your sleep pattern. Sleep deficiency starts when you start using nicotine gum.

What is a Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine gum is a chewing gum that contains nicotine and is used to help people with smoking cessation. Nicotine was the first widely available method for NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) in the world. Nicotine gum was developed in the 70s in Sweden by dr. Fernö. There are two strengths of nicotine gum available 2 mg and 4 mg, but it comes in a lot of different flavors (cinnamon, fruit, mint and so on). You do not need a prescription to purchase nicotine gum in the States unless you are younger than 18, in that case you need a doctor’s prescription. 

Read more about What is Nicotine Gum.

How is Nicotine delivered to the body by Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine is delivered to the body by nicotine gum through chewing and parking it. Nicotine gum does carry nicotine in it. Nicotine from the gum is absorbed through buccal mucosa (lining of the mouth).  Peak time of nicotine absorption is within 15 – 30 minutes. Since nicotine gum has nicotine in it, that answers why is Nicorette gum bad for you.

Read more about What is Nicotine.

How to choose the right dosage of Nicotine Gum to avoid Harmful Effects?

For choosing the right dosage of nicotine gum to avoid harmful effects follow these steps:

  • Firstly, talk to your healthcare professional to see if nicotine gum is suitable for you to consume. 
  • Secondly, think of your previous nicotine usage.
  • Thirdly, if you smoked your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking up, use the 2 mg gum. If you smoked your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up then use the 4 mg gum.
  • Fourthly, if you are still craving for nicotine, you may use another nicotine gum within one hour.
  • Fifthly, do not use more than 24 nicotine gums per day. 
  • Sixthly, follow the dosage instructions given to you by the healthcare professional.
  • Seventhly, stop using the nicotine gum after three months.
  • Eighthly, if you have any questions or concerns contact your healthcare professional for advice.

Does Nicotine Gum have long term effects?

Yes, nicotine gum has long term effects. Nicotine gum contains nicotine that is a highly addictive substance. Due to the content of nicotine, it is not recommended by medical personnel to use it any longer than 3 months. Long term effects of nicotine gum are addiction and the need for treatment coming from that. 

Can Nicotine Gum cause liver damage?

No, nicotine gum does not cause liver damage. There have been no medical or recreational uses of nicotine (long term effects of nicotine gum) that have been associated with cases of clinically apparent liver injury as stated by the National Institute of Health in 2020. 

Can Nicotine Gum Cause Nicotine Overdose?

Yes, nicotine gum can cause nicotine overdose if it is used simultaneously with other products that contain nicotine. Since nicotine gum contains nicotine then the long-term effects (more than 3 months) of nicotine gum are addiction and need for NRT (nicotine replacement therapy).

Read more about Nicotine Poisoning.

How long can you safely chew Nicotine Gum?

Nicotine gum is recommended to be chewed for half an hour (30 minutes) or until the tingling taste is gone. The period of using nicotine gum should not be longer than 3 months as is recommended by medical experts. Nicotine gum contains nicotine and nicotine is a highly addictive substance – that is the reason why it is not recommended to use for a longer period.

What precautions should people take before using Nicotine Gum?

Before using nicotine gum, you need to contact your healthcare professional to see if nicotine gum is suitable for you. Certain medication does not react well to nicotine gum: some medications for lung or breathing disease, like asthma; medications for blood pressure & medications for depression. In addition, it is not suitable for use when you are pregnant, have problems with high blood pressure, and have heart rate issues. You should not be using other nicotine products with nicotine gum because there is danger of an overdose.

What are examples of Nicotine Gum Products?

Examples of nicotine gum products:

  • Nicorette Nicotine Gum to Stop Smoking, 2mg, White Ice Mint Flavor, (160 gums): amazing taste and helps with cravings.
  • Equate Nicotine Coated Gum 2 mg, Cinnamon Flavor, (100 gums): cheap, long-lasting taste.
  • Equate Coated Nicotine Gum 2 mg, Fruit Flavor, (160 gums): cheap and has great taste. 

Read more about Best Nicotine Gum.

What Can Be Beneficial About Nicotine Gum?

Beneficial factors about nicotine gum:

  • It can raise your chances of quitting smoking by 200 %.
  • It is easily stored and you can take it with you everywhere.
  • You can use it everywhere.
  • It gives you direct control over your nicotine intake.
  • It keeps your mouth busy and that keeps your mind busy – do not think about smoking.
  • You can lower or raise your nicotine intake dosage.
  • You can buy them in almost every shop.
  • They are discreet.
  • There are different flavor options.

Keep in mind that nicotine gum contains nicotine. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical. It is always better for your health if you avoid using anything that contains nicotine. Nicotine gum use is not recommended as a healthy option.

Can nicotine gum improve mental alertness and cognitive function?

Yes, nicotine gum can improve mental alertness and cognitive functions. Nicotine gum contains nicotine. Nicotine is a stimulant drug. Nicotine speeds up the central nervous system (CNS), messages that travel from the brain to the body and the other way. So, by that it improves mental alertness and cognitive functions.

Is Nicotine Gum effective in helping people quit smoking in the long term?

Yes, nicotine gum is effective in helping people quit smoking in the long term. Nicotine gum is a method for NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) that is approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). In simpler terms you can use nicotine gum to stop smoking.

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