OTC: Nicotine Lozenges

Do you know anybody in your life who wants information on how to stop smoking? I’ll be going over a way to help you, or someone you may know, stop smoking, with a product called the Nicotine lozenge.
Nicotine lozenges are used to help an individual stop smoking. They are used as nicotine replacement and come in various flavors like mint or cherry. You may also find the nicotine lozenges marketed as brand names Nicorette and Nicorette Mini Mouth/Throat. In addition to lozenges, nicotine is available as gum, inhalations, and transdermal patches to aid in nicotine replacement. Nicotine replacement products reduce cravings of nicotine from cigarettes. It is important to take this medication as indicated by your doctor or pharmacist, or as stated on the manufacturer's packaging..
12 week dosing schedule:
- Weeks 1 to 6: 1 lozenge every 1 to 2 hours (maximum: 5 lozenges every 6 hours; 20 lozenges/day); to increase chances of quitting, use at least 9 lozenges/day during the first 6 weeks
- Weeks 7 to 9: 1 lozenge every 2 to 4 hours (maximum: 5 lozenges every 6 hours; 20 lozenges/day)
- Weeks 10 to 12: 1 lozenge every 4 to 8 hours (maximum: 5 lozenges every 6 hours; 20 lozenges/day)
Nicotine lozenges are available in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths. The lozenges are to be taken when the urge to smoke occurs, while following the 12 week dosing schedule previously mentioned. The dose is based on the “time to taking the first cigarette,” which is the time between waking up and having your first cigarette of the day. For instance, if you smoke your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking up, the larger, 4 mg dosage is recommended for your 12 week treatment. If it is beyond 30 minutes, the 2 mg strength is recommended. The lozenge should not be chewed. It should dissolve slowly in your mouth over 20 to 30 minutes. Make sure to minimize swallowing and occasionally move the lozenge from one side of the mouth to the other until completely dissolved. Do not drink or eat for 15 minutes before and after use. Acidic food/beverages may decrease absorption of nicotine lozenges. You should use only one lozenge at a time and do not use one continuously after the other.
Nicotine lozenges should not be used if you are pregnant or have any heart related conditions. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions, and see if this is right for you to take, as nicotine can increase heart rate and blood pressure. If you are pregnant, you are recommended to quit without medication and should instead consider behavioral counseling. Consider monitoring your blood sugar if you are diabetic. Consult a health care provider before use if you are on a sodium-restricted diet or have a history of seizures.
Lozenges are useful in reducing cravings. However, they must be taken exactly as directed for the best effect. It is important to choose a quit date to stop smoking, and to start taking the lozenges on that date. Common side effects of taking the lozenge include nausea, hiccups, or heartburn. Stop taking this and talk to your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, or a rapid heartbeat - this could indicate signs of nicotine overdose. Also discontinue use and consult a health care provider if mouth problems, persistent indigestion, severe sore throat occur, or if you feel the need to use the lozenges for longer than the 12 week dosing schedule.
In summary, the nicotine lozenge is one of many ways to stop smoking. It’s best when combined with behavioral therapy, and you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist today if you have any questions about the medication or your own health conditions.