Starting nicotine gum
Nicotine gum is a medium-acting formulation of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT); it takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach peak effect. Gum is best used as part of combination NRT with a patch and possibly also a mist spray; for advice on how to tailor treatment, see Overview of nicotine replacement therapy and Choice of formulation of nicotine replacement therapy.
The 4 mg gum is preferred over lower doses because it is more likely to control cravings and increases the likelihood of success in the management of tobacco smokingLindson, 2019.
If nicotine gum is chosen for NRT, use:
nicotine 4 mg gum, chew 1 piece to release flavour and produce a tingling sensation, then park gum in cheek pouch to absorb nicotine. When tingling stops, repeat the ‘chew and park’ cycles for up to 30 minutes or until all flavour is gone. Repeat with a new piece of gum 1- to 2-hourly as required to control cravings; for strong cravings, repeat after 30 minutes at the earliest (to allow time to reach peak effect). Usual maximum dosage is 16 pieces in 24 hours. nicotine nicotine replacement therapy nicotine replacement therapy