Nicotine lozenges are a form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and are used to help people quit smoking. This form of medicine is placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve for 20-30 minutes as it releases little amounts of nicotine into the bloodstream to help with cravings. Countless people use nicotine lozenges to help them quit smoking and overcome the strong nicotine cravings, but it’s also important to understand both pros and cons of its use. Nicotine lozenges can help with relieving nicotine withdrawals, which is one of its appeals to smokers who want to quit. However, this form of nicotine replacement therapy is not an entirely reliable quit smoking option. Although nicotine lozenges are designed to help smokers quit nicotine use they still pose quite a high risk for misuse due to their candy like flavors. When you decide to stop using nicotine lozenges its important to do so slowly and carefully.
Also, while you can use them in the moment for fast relief, that means you have to use them regularly and often and keep them readily available throughout the day, which can be a drawback.
Vertwell Mind
Nicotine Lozenge Dosing
Verywell Mind has listed helpful dosing advice.
- If you have your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking you should consider starting with the 4mg dose
- If you have your first cigarette more than 30 minutes after waking you might consider starting with the 2mg strength
Nicotine lozenges should be used in the following dosages:
- Weeks 1 to 6: One lozenge every one to two hours
- Weeks 7 to 9: One lozenge every two to four hours
- Weeks 10 to 12: One lozenge every four to eight hours
Do not use more than five lozenges in six hours or 20 lozenges in a 24-hour period. You should stop using nicotine lozenges by the end of 12 weeks. If you have trouble stopping, consult your doctor.
Verywell Mind
If you have a medical condition its important that you speak with your doctor or health care provider before using nicotine lozenges. In larger doses, nicotine is poisonous and can be harmful to children and pets if ingested, keep the medications away from pets and children. If you or someone else has taken too much seek help right away by calling your Poison Control at 800-222-1222.
Research shows that flavored tobacco products are disproportionately used by young people, with flavors like fruit and mint being particularly popular. Understanding these trends is crucial for crafting effective public health policies. The Minnesota State Legislature is assessing a proposal to end sales of all flavored tobacco products that appeal to the youth. Polls show that 62% of Minnesotans support the proposal, and 33% are in opposition. Learn more about the flavor ban at: https://www.smokefreegenmn.org/issues/flavoring/
Reference: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-nicotine-lozenges-2825034
