The health implications of smoking are well-documented. Tobacco is highly addictive and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and respiratory illnesses. Due to nicotine’s addictive nature, many people struggle to quit smoking or chewing tobacco, so they turn to cessation aids and NRTs like Velo nicotine lozenges.
But what exactly are Velo nicotine lozenges, and how do they work? This guide covers everything you need to know about Velo lozenges—their benefits, potential side effects, and whether or not you can still get them.
What Are Velo Nicotine Lozenges?
Velo nicotine lozenges were small, white tablets containing nicotine extract and flavorings. They looked like hard candy and were a form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
Velo lozenges were available in two strengths—2 and 4 mg—catering to different levels of nicotine dependence. The table below provides detailed information about who the ideal user for each strength was:
Strength | Ideal User |
2 mg | Light and occasional smokers who smoke less than ten cigarettes a day |
4 mg | Moderate to heavy smokers who smoke more than ten cigarettes a day |
Despite being popular at the time, Velo lozenges were discontinued several years ago. Velo has since shifted their focus to nicotine pouches and is now one of the most popular nicopod brands on the market.
Velo Nicotine Lozenges Ingredients
Velo nicotine lozenges were made using a blend of high-quality, pharma-grade nicotine extracted from tobacco plants, flavorings, and water. Since they were meant to kick a bad habit, Velo lozenges were 100% tobacco-free. This reduced the risk of tobacco-related illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and lung problems.
How Did Velo Nicotine Lozenges Work?
Source: Anastase Maragos
Velo nicotine lozenges delivered a controlled dose of nicotine through the inner lining of the mouth. As the lozenge dissolved, nicotine was absorbed into the bloodstream and traveled to the brain. It bound to nicotinic receptors, curbing cravings and relieving uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
What followed was a sense of calmness, relaxation, and a decreased desire to smoke. To ensure maximum effectiveness, it was recommended that one lozenge be taken every one to two hours.
How To Use Nicotine Lozenges
Even though Velo lozenges are discontinued, you can still quit smoking by using other lozenges. Knowing how to use them properly is essential for the best results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using nicotine lozenges:
- Take one lozenge and place it between your cheek and gum
- Don’t chew, nibble, or swallow it—allow it to slowly dissolve in your mouth. You may feel a tingling sensation in your mouth, but this is normal
- Occasionally move the lozenge around your mouth to prevent irritation
- Enjoy the flavor and sensation until the tablet is completely dissolved in about 20–30 minutes
Benefits of Nicotine Lozenges
Nicotine lozenges offer several benefits compared to other NRT methods, including:
- Managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Discretion and convenience
- Flavor variety
Managing Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms
Nicotine is highly addictive, and quitting smoking can lead to intense cravings, irritability, and mood swings. Nicotine lozenges help ease these symptoms by releasing nicotine gradually, curbing cravings, and reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
With the help of nicotine lozenges, you can wean yourself off nicotine gradually, leading to better overall health and well-being.
Discretion and Convenience
Nicotine lozenges are designed to be discreet and convenient. Unlike an NRT inhaler that looks like a plastic cigarette or a nicotine patch that can be visible if not hidden properly, nicotine lozenges are tiny and can be easily concealed.
They fit comfortably between your gum and lip, making them easy to use anywhere, anytime. You can discreetly pop one in your mouth at work, in a meeting, or while hanging out with friends without anyone noticing.
Source: Towfiqu Barbhuiya
Available in Different Flavors
Lozenges are available in different flavors to make quitting tobacco more enjoyable. This makes them better than nasal sprays, inhalers, and nicotine gum, which have a strong medicinal taste or smell.
Velo nicotine lozenges were available in four unique flavors:
- Berry
- Mint
- Crema
- Dark mint
Other lozenges also come in the above flavors to suit personal preference. Different flavor options can help you find one you enjoy and make nicotine withdrawal easier.
Potential Side Effects of Nicotine Lozenges
Source: Andrea Piacquadio
Despite their benefits, nicotine lozenges may also cause potential side effects, including:
- Mouth or throat irritation
- Hiccups
- Heartburn
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability
The above reactions are mild and resolve quickly on their own. Still, you should consult your doctor if you experience more severe reactions, such as:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Heart palpitations (rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat)
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Allergic reactions (hives, itching, skin rashes, swelling of the face, tongue, lips, or throat)
- Difficulty breathing or speaking
To minimize the risk of side effects, follow the recommended dosage and usage guidelines.
How To Use Nicotine Lozenges Safely
Here’s how to avoid unpleasant side effects and ensure a safe experience with nicotine lozenges:
- Select the right lozenge strength based on your nicotine dependence level
- Use one tablet every 1–2 hours (maximum 5 lozenges in six hours and no more than 20 lozenges per day)
- Account for other nicotine sources (including other NRTs) to avoid side effects or poisoning
- Don’t eat or drink anything for 15 minutes before or while using nicotine lozenges, as it may reduce their effectiveness
- Don’t suck, chew, or swallow the lozenge. While side effects are highly unlikely to occur if you do any of these, you’d be wasting a perfectly fine lozenge
- Store nicotine lozenges in a cool, dry place to maintain their effectiveness
Avoid nicotine lozenges if you are below 21 years old, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a pre-existing medical condition like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Also, keep nicotine lozenges away from children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.
Velo Nicotine Lozenges Are Discontinued—Are There Alternatives?
Although Velo lozenges have been discontinued, they were only one of many NRT methods available to help you quit smoking. Other FDA-approved NRT options include:
- Nicotine gum—Similar to lozenges, but in gum form. You chew the gum for a while before tucking it between your gum and cheek to allow the nicotine to enter your bloodstream
- Skin patch—A small, thin patch (like an adhesive bandage) you stick to your skin. The patch slowly releases nicotine into your body through the skin
- Nasal spray—A prescription-only NRT option that delivers a fine nicotine mist into your nose. It provides the fastest relief from cravings but may cause nasal irritation
- Inhaler—A cartridge-shaped device that you puff on to release nicotine vapor into your mouth, throat, and lungs. It mimics the hand-to-mouth action of smoking, so you can still satisfy your oral cravings
- Varenicline tartrate and bupropion hydrochloride—Nicotine-free prescription drugs that help reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. They work by blocking nicotine receptors in the brain, making smoking less pleasurable
Each NRT option has its pros and cons. It’s best to consult a doctor to determine the most suitable method based on your lifestyle, health status, and personal preferences.
Are Velo Nicopods an NRT?
Source: SnusBoss
Velo nicopods are not an NRT option or a smoking cessation aid. Still, they are safer and cleaner than most nicotine products.
Inside these small, discreet pouches is a blend of pharma-grade nicotine and other food-grade ingredients that provide a quick and satisfying nicotine hit without the smoke, odor, or mess. Velo nicotine pouches are ideal for users looking to switch from smoking, vaping, or snus to a safer alternative without quitting nicotine.
Velo pouches are slim, guaranteeing a snug and comfortable fit under your lip. They don’t create a noticeable bulge and leave no stains on your teeth.
You can choose from popular Velo flavors such as:
- Polar Mint—A refreshing blend of cool mint and menthol that delivers a super-strong nicotine kick
- Mighty Peppermint—A minty nicotine pouch providing you with 10.9 mg of nicotine
- Winter Chill X-Strong—Wintergreen and icy mint blend that provides an extra strong nicotine punch
- Wild Lavender Strong—A strong nicopod for a calming and soothing experience
Velo has an extensive range of nicotine pouches for new and experienced users. You can find Velo nicopods with as little as 4 mg of nicotine per pouch, but you can also get your hands on the strongest ones with over 15 mg of nicotine per pouch.
Where Can I Find Velo Nicopods?
Lozenges may be discontinued, but Velo nicopods are still popular, and you can find them at SnusBoss.
SnusBoss is a reputable online store that stocks a massive selection of Velo nicopods, including the ones mentioned above. The online shop is run by industry experts with years of experience, distributing only the best quality products, so you can be certain you’ll get fresh, safe, and potent nicopods whenever you order.
Speaking of ordering, getting your hand on Velo nicopods from SnusBoss is as simple as 1-2-3:
- Go to the online store and navigate to the Velo section
- Choose your favorite flavor and strength
- Provide your payment and shipping info at checkout
If you want to try other nicotine pouch brands, SnusBoss carries an impressive selection of popular and rare EU nicopod brands, including:
Made in the EU, Velo pouches and pouches from the above brands are of superior quality to local U.S. brands. Due to the EU’s less restrictive laws, their manufacturers gained a competitive edge, resulting in products with higher moisture levels, innovative flavors, and a powerful kick.
Select express shipping at the checkout to ensure you get your nicopods in two to three days. You can also benefit from regular promotions and free shipping on all orders over $249.
Featured image source: Karolina Grabowska