Nicotine lozenges overview

Information on Nicotine Lozenges

Nicotine lozenges are the latest in the line of products designed to be used in the nicotine replacement therapy. They are a hard, sugar-free form of sweets which need to be sucked slowly so the nicotine can be released from it. The nicotine gets absorbed through the lining of the mouth and it gets to the bloodstream and the brain in a rather fast manner. The lozenges come in two different strengths. Each lozenge is one dose of 1 milligram of nicotine bitartrate dihydrate and it may be purchased in a variety of different flavours. Lozenges also contain several other important ingredients such as magnesium stearate, peppermint oil, xanthan gum, sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. Those with a medium nicotine deficiency are usually the ones which use the benefits of nicotine lozenges.

A lozenge needs to be places between the gums and the cheeks and when it is there it needs to be sucked until one starts feeling a strong taste of nicotine in the mouth. When the taste kicks in, one needs to stop sucking and let the lozenge rest against the cheek. When the taste disappears, one needs to start sucking again, and so on…The process needs to be repeated until the lozenge dissolves completely, which usually takes somewhere between 20 and 30 minutes. During the process, the nicotine gets absorbed through the mouth lining and by means of bloodstream it finally gets to the brain. Lozenges are very efficient for all those who suffer from the annoying nicotine withdrawal symptoms and nicotine cravings. Lozenges need to be taken every two hours for the first six weeks of the entire treatment schedule. The following two weeks, the person needs to reduce the amount to every 4 hours. The gradual reduction of intake then leads to lozenges being taken every 8 hours during the last two weeks of the treatment. The nicotine intake gets so low that the withdrawal symptoms and craving subside completely.

Safety and Side Effects

If a person follows the directions and instructions on how to use the lozenges properly, there should not be any side effects at all. An overdose may lead to weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, headaches, dizziness, rapid heartbeat and palpitations. Swallowing the lozenges leads to indigestion and heartburn. Those who suffer from certain serious medical conditions should not use lozenges. Common side effects may also include coughing, hiccups, insomnia, flatulence, constipation, indigestion andirritations.