nicorette gum

[Barb]

What are the long-term risks of continuing to chew nicorette gum for years?  I chew maybe one or 2 pieces a day.  I quit smoking 8 years ago and I realize I am addicted to the nicotine in the gum.  This is all right with me, but is it possible it can cause cancer of the mouth like chewing tobacco can?  I asked the nicorette people at their 800 number, and they said it couldn't give you cancer, but they sternly advised me to stop chewing it, that I was addicted to it now instead of cigarettes.  

Many thanks - this is a great idea for a website!

[Barb]

Thanks a lot for the free medical advice.  This is really great.
Now - how can I eat absolutely ANTHING I want & maintain a weight of 110 lbs?

Ditzy in Denver

[CHASM in CT]

Nicorette worked for me and I quit smoking.
Realizing I was getting hooked on the anti-smoking
gum, I switched to Wrigley's Double Mint.  
BAD MISTAKE.
After chewing this for six months I had serious
caries problems, and lost a few teeth, acquired a
very long bridge (9 teeth wide) in the lower jaw.
That was in 1987-88.  I had quit smoking in Nov 86.

By spring 1993 my emphysema was noticably worse.
And it has continued to get worse since then, despite
the lack of tobacco smoke and with the help of various
pulmonary medicines and inhalors.  This month my
long bridge broke, and in not reparable due to the
lack of sound teeth to mount a new bridge on.
This past Thursday I had eight yes EIGHT lower
teeth extracted, leaving none. And I'm fitted for
a full denture and just waiting for the gum damage
to heal from the extractions and debrasion of the
underlying bone to enable a better fit for the
denture.

So if anybody tells you that quitting smoking will
stop emphesema in its tracks, don't believe them,  
even if its AMA or your doctor speaking.

The damage to the lungs was worse than to the teeth.
I have been using continuous flow oxygen since March
1997, and the required dosage has increased in the
2.5 years since I started.  Breathing is difficult
and I have given up driving a car.  Also, I cannot
take a walk for exercise, as the effort is too hard
on my lungs, and has caused the condition known
as cor pulmonale, which is an enlarged right
ventricle due to its overwork.  The left ventricle
which pumps to the rest of the body can't be
supplied well enough by the right ventricle.
Yes, emphysema can get worse.

The great blessing in your favor is your age.
I am 76 yrs old, and smoked for about 40 years.
I estimate about 75 pack-years, or almost 2 packs
a day for 40 years.  I started smoking at age 18
and quit at age 63, with some gaps inbetween.
speaking.

Please don't let anything stop you from quitting
cigarets.

[Kurt Kohlert]

Hello

I have been chewing nicorette gums for over a year. I started with the 2mg gums and than decided to go with the 4mg gums to save money. I found my self chewing the gums like regular gums after a while. It would burn my throat, and now I have a throbbing feeling in my throat every once and a while. Have you ever heard of that?

I think I have to go cold turkey to quit, going on the gums have not slowed down my urge for nicotene. They may help a person from breaking the day to day habit of smoking, but not the addiction.

Have you ever heard of Ziban, it is some kind of antidepressant that stops you from wanting smokes. Is it safe to use?

All I can say is that nicorette has really screwed up my throat. I know it is my fault for chewing them so fast, but I would do it without even noticing what I was doing.

[Pat]

Two days ago I quit nicorette gum. I did not do this
because I wanted to. I would be chewing the whole damn
box right now  if  I felt like I could make it to the store to
buy it.  I don't follow directions very well on boxes be
mashed pototoes or  a harmless looking box of nicorette.
Which is another thing the package system is all wrong
with nicotette gum,  I have been trying to think for years
what i could do with another tape and I  believe that the money spent on making such a tape would be better
spent by providing a miniture spittoon which we die
hard, gum smacking fools could  hang around our necks
to spare us and our families the shame of finding a simi-
yellow wad stuck to the dash board, head board, sink,
cookie jar, wallet , coins ,books, jeans, coffee table,
coffee cup, spoons, toothbrush, need I say more. My husband says he even found it  on his ass. I was afraid
to ask him if it  was foiled or not foiled.  We smackers do this  because of the cost of our yellow friend, but it is  a friendship short lived because once his color yellow is
gone off he goes to the trash can  we searh the dryer for
a foil that may have made it  through the wash with out
breaking open.  So here I sit knowing I have searched
everywhere a patch on my arm back at  ground zero
My patch is not working it does not taste very good.
dying in seattle.............................

[Road Not Traveled]

I quit smoking 14 years ago, the most difficult addiction I ever kicked.  A year or two before nicorette was widely available in the U.S. I read that a woman purchased a nicatine gum in Mexico for the "lift" it gave her.  Once it became available here, I gave it a try.  Now several years later I am hooked on the habit of chewing it.  Unlike a previous poster, I chew up to ten times a day.  I'm finding it VERY hard to let go.  I have good blood pressure, 70/90.  Any suggestions on how to stop the crutch of chewing this expensive gum?

[nancy]

I'm 56 and have smoked since I was 16.  Heavy in my 20's, lighter in my 30's, less than a half pack a day in my 40's and finally, quit 8 months ago.  I couldn't have done it without Nicorette, but now, of course am addicted to Nicorette.  Will gradual replacement with a sugarless gum work?  In analyzing it, I may like the oral chewing part significantly--and hope that now that the behavior part of smoking has been dealt with, I can deal with the residual addiction part.  Hey--I'm open to any comments, suggestions.  Thanks....

[friendsmed]

Hi! I am 66 years old and was told that I have a little emphysema about a year ago, so for a whole year I thought about quitting smoking.  I wasn't having any trouble breathing, but over the winter I noticed that I started spitting up thick mucous. also, was experiencing a lot of heartburn..way too much coffee and cigarettes, and the emphysema too of course.  I started taking Chantix last month, a pill to help you quit..Well, I didn't smoke for a month and frankly I thought the pill was kind of like a sugar pill..I felt like I just quit because I knew I had too..well, I quit taking the pill and started chewing 2mg. nicroette gum..(I had bought it before the doctor gave me the prescription for Chantix..)  Big mistake I went to Atlantic City and took the gum with me just in case..There is something about slot machines and smoking that go together..On the second day there I did the gum thing and that was about a 3 weeks ago and now I haven't been able to quit..Does anyone know if it really makes emphysema worse.  I think after reading all of your messages I will try harder to quit.I have smoked for about 50 years..

[friendsmed]

Just want everyone to know that I am going back to Chantix and willpower..I just read in the paper that they also think it helps memory and I can sure use that.I just looked at the dates '99 was awhile ago so if anyone is still here it is for them.

[BrokenLeg]

Hi everyone,

He's the skinny on Nicorette Gum.  Each piece of the normal gum contains 2mg of nicotine.  Even the absolute BEST chewers in the world can only extract about 1/2 of that out of the gum.

Mouth Cancer? nicotine doesn't cause cancer.  It's not a carcinogin.

What does Nicotine do?  It slightly raises blood pressure by 1-2 mm/hg.

It slightly constricts blood vessels (so not good for CV patients).

Consider the following from smoke:

Heat (bad for lungs)
Tar (horrible for lungs)
Nicotine in very high concentation (see comments above but multiply by 4-5x)
100's of carcingongs (cancer causing)
Carbon Monoxide (lowers blood oxygen).

When you compare the two...much, much better to be on gum than smoking...

bottom line:  tape off the gum slowly...reduce by 1/2 piece every week and you'll not even notice it.

good luck

[fireflies4jessa]

Your post is very old but I have enjoyed reading it over and over and boy can I identify with what you said.  I leave droppings wherever I go of gum.  I almost feel embarrassed when they are found by my friends and family and they go "OOOH! There's Grandma's gum".  I too have found wads everywhere including attached to my dog.  He likes to chew it too and will every chance he sees one laying around that he can get to.

[dawn r l]

So ... back to the original question.  Does excessive chewing of Nicorette cause gum disease?  Only one response to that question so far and am wondering if anyone can confirm/deny the information.  Anyone get a gum disease while chewing?  I've been chewing for about 6 years and just today was told by dentist that I have mild gum disease.

[ronnier]

I think I've been chewing nicorette for five years now, that is up until, Wednesday night.  Im trying to cold turkey my way out of that habit.  Its horribly difficult, and right now, I am a totally horrible person to be around.  But I'm beginning my third day of withdrawal today, and it is a little bit better, as far as I can tell, but it is still early, so who knows who I may yell at today.  Oh, actually, I already yelled at my ex wife today, but I dont hold nicorette responsible for that.  Symptoms I am having are pretty normal, except for the one where I can nod off at any time.  Some sort of safety escape my body is performing, Im sure, except that when it happens at night, and I go to bed, to get some sleep, my sleeps are totally bizarre.  Dreams, short sleeps, sweats, fear, waking widely in the middle of the night, and sometimes just dreaming that I'm wide awake.  this is weird.

[Kanashii]

I quit smoking (after 6 attempts) on November of 1996 and have been 'addicted' to the nicotine gum ever since. I go through ALOT of it and have had no medical issues because of it. (I chew maybe up to 15-20 pieces of 2 mg a day) My gums and teeth are healthy, my blood pressure is (if anything) on the low side even though I am overweight.
As another poster said, the gum is healthier than the cigarettes. I hate being 'addicted' to the nicotine gum but can't get off of it. So I've been on it for over 11 years now.
Warmly,
JE.

[Kanashii]

I forgot to mention, I talked to both my GP and rheumatologist and they both said the gum is healthier than smoking ( a no brainer) *smile* and while they would like to see me OFF the gum, they said as long as it does not affect my health (which it hasn't) that it is better than going back to smoking.
Warmly,
JE

[Jana 5]

Hi all,
Today I quit the gum.  I started taking Chantix last week and hoping this is going to help.  Been doing ok with cravings but have had a few pieces of dentyne gum as a substitute but will try to stop that tomorrow.

I have been chewing nicorette gum excessiveley for about the past two years.(about 30 4 mg a day)  I quit smoking over 5 years ago with the gum and then got off the gum but went back on after some stressful events (I know excuses).

Anybody out there in the midst of quitting nicotine gum right now?  If so how is it going?

[UpInSmoke]

I am trying to quit ... again.  Why would people choose a brain product - Chantix or Zyban - over a body product - Nicorette or Thrive?  I need to hear from people and their opinions on each treatment.

Thanks in advance.

[KC_Babygirl]

I don't know if I'm in "denial" or something, but I've been smoking for 5 years and I don't find it that hard to "quit". I smoke a pack a week and when I got pregnant with my son I stopped cold turkey from my pregnancy through breast-feeding (11 months). I started smoking again after that, but only because I no longer felt "icky" about it. When my boy was inside me, I couldn't smoke. I felt like I was hurting him, which I couldn't do. Now it isn't that I feel I can't stop, it's that I like smoking and don't feel bad about it anymore... well sometimes I do,  but mostly know. Smoking doesn't do the same thing drugs and alcohol do. Drugs make you act different and alcohol (in high quantities, I'm not talking cocktails with your friend) also affects how you feel and act. When I smoke, I just calm down and reflect.... it doesn't make you violent or hung over. I'm not promoting smoking, I'm just saying that nothing has made me feel guilty enough about it to make me quit... but I already did once when I felt the need. Why is it so hard for other people?

[FormerNicCopeUser]

Hi,

I’ve been a Nicorette gum user for 5 years…I chewed about 12-18 pieces per day.  I used Copenhagen for 20 years prior.  Nicorette really helped me quit Copenhagen…but now I’m obviously addicted to the gum…The gum is obviously better than Copenhagen for many reasons..however..I can tell you that my blood pressure has risen, and I have a low white blood cell count because of the gum.  I get sick all the time due to this.  If I over chew it I’ll get a sore throat and eventually a sinus infection.  My doctor always asked me ..”do you smoke?”  I tell him no…he doesn’t  know I use any tobacco products.  He says “ you get bronchitis s a lot”.  
Bottom line the gum is no good for you…It will have long term effects.     So…I started Chantix last week…I quit that after 5 days…major side effect for me..I couldn’t sleep..and when I did I’d have nightmares all night…so I went out and bought 20 packs of every flavored sugarless gum and quit the Nicorette gum cold turkey last Saturday…I have to say the key is to set a quit date… throw out the gum (I have to flush down toilet otherwise I would search trash).  I can tell you this being Day 4 that is much much easier than quitting Cope or cigs…Right now I already feel confident I’m done with it…It has been extremely easy to do it…I already feel better…So give it a try cold turkey before using Chantix/zybin….Try to go 3 days…I think the Nicorette gum was making me depressed too..I always had that crashing feeling/lethargic feeling…Do you know what I mean?   Anyhow…I don’t have a lot of will power but canning the gum in not too hard..just set the date…throw all gum out….buy 20 packs of all flavors of sugarless gum…I had minor withdrawal symptoms but nothing that made me want to drive to store and buy nic gum.  Good Luck to all…


S.

[Shoe53]

It has been my experience that smoking causes gum disease, and Nicorette Gum further aggravates it.  I have lost teeth shortly after using Nicorette gum.  I tried to tell my Periodontist this, but he argued with me, because he wanted me to quit smoking for good.  How can some people chew so much Nicorette?  I can only tolerate 2-4 pieces a day.  It irritates my stomach!

[AlexandraElizabeth]

Im looking for the answer(s) to all of the above questions? Someone tell me where they answer these???

truly
Dieing to quick smoking in LA
37 Female

[GoingToMakeIt]

Start a new post. You will get more answers that way.

[Botcha_McCoola]

Do nicotene patches or gums give exactly the same form of nicotene as is in the smoke? Thanks

[NicoretteQueen]

Well, I've been "doing" this gum for like 20 yrs. I'm totally addicted- so is my BFF with the same history. It's exhausting- 2mg or 4mg- original/mint/cinammon. Give me a break! Blobs everywhere. Foil packets that are impossible to open. I used to think about the $ I was spending. No longer. It's part of my weekly expenses. I'm chewing 24/7 and it seems to be getting worse if that's possible. More addicting than heroin- you bet.I have again lost control on Nicorette. I need to go to a 30 day rehab. Be locked up with fellow Nicorette addicts and we can all kill each other and eat our way into oblivion. The Chantix side effects scare me. I'm thinking.. I won't get cancer on the gum. Is this the case?I sure want to believe that. Maybe we all can pick a date and everyone will stop chewing 25% at given intervals- we can form like a Mickey Mouse Club for Nicorette Addiction- and we can support one another. Let me know....

[manonfire]

I am a 25 yr smoker who quit on the patch about 6 yrs ago, made it 13 months, then thought I could have an occaisional cigar, went to a box a week in no time. Patched again, and after I tried some nicorrete, decided that was good, but then found myself chewing box after box. Deciced that I would chew Coppenhagen to get off nicorette. Wow what an addiction nicotine is! Well I got precancerous esophagus from chewing (and swallowing) Cope. So I said I better go back on smokes so I can quit chewing! I went back on patch 11/27/07, but needed an extra boost from nicorette. I am on about 8 pieces of 4mg since. I can't even drop down to 2mg! So, I would really like a straight answer about nicorette. I also have Leukemia, and not a curable form. I am doing the best I can. Somebody has to know if this gum causes anything!

[GumAddict]

I am a nicorette addict too and I think it's causing me lots of problems. I completely relate to the posts about blobs of gum everywhere. Thought I was the only one. Truth is, look at how the marketing of this junk has changed over time. Remember when it came in 1 flavor, tasted like medicine and was so hard it gave you a jaw ache? Now they've got lots of flavors, great texture and they sponsored a NASCAR. There must be lots of us out there.

I think I'm having some pretty serious problems, dizzyness and swallowing. I've asked many doctors about the side effects and no one can tell me. I don't think anyone is aware of how much nicotine people like us are getting. WAY MORE than cigarettes! I know smoking is much worse, and I'm not going back to that- but people need to start talking about the effects of long-term chewing of this gum. The manufacturers know people are chewing it box after box.

[GoingToMakeIt]

First of all, this is a very old post from 1999. Almost no one on it is here anymore. so start a new post. Do a search on Google about nicotine & or addiction. You might be surprised.

[Slvr6]

I was online trying to do research about being addicted to nicorette gum. And here it is. Old post or not there is a lot of good info here!

I am an ex smoker. I started at age 13 and was a smoker at age 14. Terrible I know. I will never let my girls do the same as I did!! The first time I quit I was 19yrs old but only quit a couple months. I tried quitting numerous times but same thing it only lasted a couple months. I got pregnant and quit smoking but chewed tobacco instead. I chewed for almost two years before I went back to smoking. Anyhow I have used nicorette gum several different times for a peroid of 6mo to a year. This last time I was on the gum over a year. I finally went to the doctor and got a prescription for Chantix. Yes Chantix does work but I cant take the side effects. It makes my muscles ache at night and makes me so extremely tired.

So then after I had quit the gum after using Chantix I had a really bad day and bought a pack of cigerettes. Got tired of smoking and got the gum and I cant stop chewing the dang gum!!! As soon as the flavor runs out I just gotta have another piece!!! And I got soooo sick of it that I said forget it. This is it. I am quitting. Without the Chantix. It's it the cupboard and I'll keep it incase someday I may need it or give it to somebody.
Anyhow it's been 5 days. I chew Orbit mint gum and bubble gum. I am also getting over a cold and I feel the life and energy has been zapped outta me. I don't know if it has anything to do with the gum or if it's all from the cold. All I know is that I am not going to be putting any more toxins into my body. Nobody really knows the long term effects of nicorette gum. But anyone who cares about thier health and is aware of how toxins can affect the body knows that nicorette gum can not be 100% safe. Sure it's better than smoking.

[teacups]

The reason I came to this sight is to find out what the long term effects of using nicorette gum.  I quit smoking 14 weeks ago.  I know I was supposed to quit the gum after 12 weeks. (that did not work out so well) I really want to chew the gum.   I realize people are chewing it for years.  I hope that is all right for our health.  I would rather chew gum than to go back to smoking.  I am 63 years old and have smoked since I was 16.   my grandchildren have urged me to quit.  They can not stand the smell of cigrettes.    So thanks for all the comments.

[jbuckl]

these were the funniest posts i have ever read anywhere!!!!   Needless to say i can relate.  I am a physician, so of course no one can understand  why i smoke and or chew nicorette.  I quit smoking from age 48 to age  51  using nicorette like 15 pieces a day,  and yes its better than smoking and plus we can chew it in surgery,  try smoking there. Unfortunately,i could never get off the gum  ,    so 2 years ago I started smoking again:  and now after two  years of smoking,   and chewing the nicorette and sometimes wearing patches also  to lower  the gum and cigs,  i quit everything but the gum.  I know this is my last chance,   so i plan on chewing the   generic gum (members mark)  for 6 months or so and then get off the gum,   the funny thing is i do not even like to chew gum unless it is  nicotine gum,  oh well i agree we need a site for people trying to do the right thing but have a hard time with out NICOTINE!!!!!!!!!!!

[Pittypat1]

I have read that chewing the nicotine gum can cause a break in apoptosis.  Apoptosis is cell death.  We need apoptosis to kill cells that are changing or just not normal.  More research needs to be done.  I have chewed the gum many years.  After the first maybe 4 or 5 years I found out I have non-hodgkins lymphoma (a form of cancer).    The cancer includes a problem with apoptosis.

I can't say for sure that nicotine gum has caused my cancer.  I do wish I had never started using the gum.  I have found it very, very addictive.  If you use nicotine gum, I suggest you work very hard to quit.  Good luck and God Bless You.

[Pittypat1]

I have just read that nicotine, whether it be smoking, patch or gum, causes an interference in the way chemotherapy works regarding cancer of the lung.  The article stated that the nicotine prevents apoptosis.  We need apoptosis to keep from getting cancer.  The article said somehow the nicotine protects the cell (the one that should be killed) from being killed by apoptosis.

I getting ready for a stem cell transplant, just having taken chemotherapy.  I don't have lung cancer.  I have non-hodgins lymphoma. Just because my cancer type is different, I don't see that my situation would be different because I too, need apoptosis to work correctly.  I'm quitting!  Won't you?  I know it is going to be hard, but I've been fighting cancer a long time.  I can do it.  You can, too.  We need to get the word out about this apoptosis thing.  I don't think the doctors warn their patients.  Maybe they can't say too much because the research is an on going thing.  Maybe doctors could get sued if they told their patients not to use the patch or gum.  All they can tell the patient is to stop smoking.

I hope this helps some of you out there.  Just google apoptosis and nicotine.  There is a good amount of info there.

[AlbertaLydia]

Was very nice to find this thread today, even though it dates back 10 years.  Today is DAY ONE for me without Nicorette.  Again.  I know I can do it, but surfed for some posts just to help me out. And reading that last post, about apoptosis, may be just the extra boost I need today.  Thanks for posting that!  

Smoking history - started at age 11, quit at 31 with Nicorette - chewed it for 9 months.  Had 7 years nicotine free - never even though about a cigarette!  Then came some stress, I thought I could have ONE PUFF (ha!), and soon started smoking again.  Smoked 2 years, feeling guilty as hell.  Stopped again with nicorette - 5 and a half years ago!  I don't ever, ever, ever plan to put a cigarette in my mouth again - not ever ONE PUFF!!

Now it's time to get off the gum... I used to joke I'd chew it forever - I, too, chewed it like regular gum, easily 20 - 25 pieces a day.  My New Year's Resolution was to not buy any more.  I ran out yesterday - well, almost.  I threw the last 5 pieces in the garbage so I could wake up this morning and not have even one.  I know I'll be o.k. - I've been through this before.  But I'm dizzy today, very distracted, and have decided to not make any big decisions till maybe mid-week ;)  Wish me luck!  

[lori3288]

I quit drinking 2-1/2 years ago.  I then decided  I needed to have a vice, so I started smoking.  Then, in order to quit the smoking, I bought Nicorette which I have chewed for over 2 years now.  Today is my second day without the gum.   Like others here, I was lethargic, got sick quite a bit with bronchitis and the flu, my stomach was constantly gurgling, and it gave me gas and diarrhea on a daily basis.  I've had gum stuck to my pants, all over my car, tin foil packets everywhere.  I've replaced the Nicorette with Peelu Dental Chewing Gum I purchased at Whole Foods.  It has the same shape and it's coated like the Nicorette.  I used EFT (tapping on pressure points) to help me to stop.  This made it easy.  However, I am still irritable and edgy from withdrawal.  Hope this helps someone.

[sober0II0]

I can relate with most of the people here. I smoked cigarettes and marijuana for quite over 8 years. It got so intense that when I did not have weed, I would suck of cigarettes like there was no tomorrow.
So I decided to leave smoking entirely, but with the help of nicorette gum.

Now with this gum, albeit that it is not properly tested as to its long term effects, and the surrounding studies that it may contribute to cancer; it has been the best means against smoking, and I amongst all those who have know of the health growth upon quitting cigarettes for over 6 months with some exercise.

But the thing is, I realise this gum is causing me memory problems as well as concentration.  Well it is nicotine, but I did not have these problems on cigarette alone, nor with weed, as it would wear off in short time. The gum on the other hand, I believe is contributing to memory and concentration lags, and I would like to hear from anyone else who has experienced this same symptoms.

[christian1127]

1 year 4 months on nicotine gum. Both of my root canals had to be redone. depressed,slight hair loss,Gas, and my legs started to hurt..I quite 3 days ago. Legs feel normal in 1 day. depression stopped, teeth feel great.I feel great. I do have withdrawal, but reading posts and feeling  results are helping very much. I'm just Damn sick of the gum! I buy the 4MG, and chew half pieces 10 times a day, so it's like (5) 2 MG, but in a way tricks the mind, and is cheaper. After each chewed piece, I'd add it to my huge gum ball that I roll around in the palms of my hands. Once it becomes the size of a golf ball, or a baseball, It makes you think. Believe me, I try everything. YOU HAVE TO WANT TO QUIT TO QUIT.  Not just a little, I mean sick of it!then prepare for the battle which will go away.

[warble]

I have been chewing 2 mg Nicorette gum for about 20 years.  I recently developed a mild throat and chest infection, and I have not been able to chew any gum for 4 days now because of the irritation and coughing.   More importantly though, I have not had any of the usual withdrawal symptoms I get when trying to stop.  I don't know if this situation will change or whether the cravings will return when the infection goes away, but so far so good.   Wish me luck because I so want to stop this bad habit.   If it works, who knows - the cure may be to chew so many pieces of gum so quickly that it gives you an infection like mine!  Personally I think it would be worth it to be able to stop.
K