Key findings

Nicotine gum has been shown to be effective in helping people quit smoking. 1 found that 28.9% of participants in the Lung Health Study were still using nicotine gum 12 months after starting. Of these, 33.6% were sustained non-smokers, 54.5% were intermittent smokers, and 19.2% were continuing smokers. The average gum use was 7.3 pieces per day. Men were more likely to be non-smokers than women, while women were more likely to use gum than men. Among the sustained non-smokers, those who used gum continuously reported more mild side effects than those who used it intermittently, but there were no differences in moderate or severe side effects between the groups. Overall, the rate of observed side effects was low. Factors associated with nicotine dependence were related to the use and amount of gum use at 12 months. 2 evaluated the effects of different nicotine replacement therapies on self-reported withdrawal symptoms and side effects during short-term smoking cessation. The study found that the urge to smoke was greater in the morning during the 16-hour patch condition than during the 24-hour patch condition. Double-patch use resulted in significantly greater insomnia than the smoking baseline and 16-hour patch conditions. The no medication and gum alone conditions resulted in similar withdrawal symptoms, and both tended to result in greater reported withdrawal symptoms than the smoking baseline condition. There were no significant withdrawal symptom differences between the 24-hour, patch-gum, and double-patch conditions. The 24-hour and double-patch conditions were preferred by two thirds of the participants.

Reasons for side effects

Side effects of nicotine gum are thought to be caused by nicotine being absorbed into the body. Nicotine acts on the central nervous system, causing various physiological changes. These changes can lead to side effects.

Common side effects

Oral irritation

Nicotine gum can irritate the mucous membranes in the mouth, causing mouth sores and tongue numbness. 1 suggests that continuous use of nicotine gum may increase the frequency of mild side effects.

Digestive symptoms

Nicotine can affect the digestive system, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. 2 suggests that the method of administration of nicotine replacement therapy can influence digestive side effects.

Headache

Nicotine has a vasoconstricting effect, which can cause headaches. Nicotine patches are thought to be more likely to cause headaches. 2

Insomnia

Nicotine can affect sleep and cause insomnia. Nicotine gum is thought to be more likely to cause insomnia. 2

Other

The use of nicotine gum can cause symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, sweating, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating.

Side effect management

Oral irritation

To reduce oral irritation, chew nicotine gum slowly and allow it to dissolve completely in saliva before swallowing. You can also try chewing gum for shorter periods or reducing the amount of gum you use. If you develop mouth sores or tongue numbness from using nicotine gum, consult a doctor.

Digestive symptoms

If you are concerned about digestive symptoms, it is recommended to use nicotine gum after meals. Reducing the amount of gum you use can also be helpful. If you experience severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea from using nicotine gum, consult a doctor.

Headache

If you are concerned about headaches, try reducing the amount of nicotine gum you use or shortening the duration of use. Taking headache medication can also be helpful. If you experience frequent headaches from using nicotine gum, consult a doctor.

Insomnia

If you are concerned about insomnia, avoid using nicotine gum before bed. You can also try relaxation techniques or adjust your sleep schedule. If nicotine gum use does not improve insomnia, consult a doctor.

Comparison between studies

Similarities

Both studies suggest that nicotine gum can be helpful in aiding smoking cessation. They also suggest that nicotine gum use can lead to side effects.

Differences

1 was a large study involving participants in the Lung Health Study who were trying to quit smoking, and it evaluated long-term nicotine gum use patterns and side effects. In contrast, 2 was a smaller study that evaluated the short-term effects and side effects of nicotine replacement therapies. Additionally, 2 compared different nicotine replacement therapies, while 1 focused specifically on nicotine gum.

Considerations for real-world application

Nicotine gum can be effective in aiding smoking cessation, but there is a possibility of experiencing side effects. When using nicotine gum, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and consult a doctor if needed. Keep nicotine gum out of reach of children.

Limitations of current research

Current research does not provide sufficient information on the long-term side effects of nicotine gum use. Additionally, more research is needed on the effects of nicotine gum use on individuals with specific diseases or conditions.

Directions for future research

Further research is needed on the long-term side effects of nicotine gum use. Research is also needed on the effects of nicotine gum use on individuals with specific diseases or conditions.

Conclusion

Nicotine gum can be effective in aiding smoking cessation, but it is important to consult a doctor before using it and be aware of potential side effects. For successful smoking cessation, it is not only important to use nicotine gum but also to receive counseling and support regarding smoking cessation.