Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a safe, effective way to help curb cravings and ease symptoms.
- Nicotine Gum
- Nicotine Lozenges
- Nicotine Patches
Nicotine Gum
If you choose to use nicotine gum, start on your quit day. Chew slowly until your mouth begins to tingle. Then rest between your cheeks and gums. While in your mouth, the gum releases nicotine, which you quickly absorb. Repeat as necessary, roughly one piece every hour or two. Do not exceed 24 pieces in 24 hours. Use for six to 12 weeks.
How to get it
Purchase over the counter, or visit the South Dakota QuitLine to see if you’re eligible to receive NRT gum at no cost. Nicotine gum comes in 2 mg or 4 mg doses.
Side effects
- Hiccups
- Mild oral pain and irritation
- Mouth sores
If the nicotine gum causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rapid heartbeat or severe oral pain, stop use immediately and contact your health care provider.
Nicotine Lozenges
If you choose to use nicotine lozenges, start on your quit day. Place a lozenge into your mouth and move it between your cheeks and gums, letting nicotine absorb. Do not bite or chew the lozenge as you would hard candy — let it dissolve completely in your mouth. Avoid eating and drinking 15 minutes before and during use. Repeat as necessary, often one piece every hour or two initially. Do not exceed 20 lozenges in 24 hours. Use for as many as 12 weeks.
How to get it
Purchase over the counter, or visit the South Dakota QuitLine to see if you’re eligible to receive NRT lozenges at no cost. Nicotine lozenges comes in 2 mg or 4 mg doses.
Side effects
- Dry mouth
- Hiccups
- Mouth sores
- Coughing
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Nausea
If the nicotine lozenges cause severe symptoms, stop use immediately and contact your health care provider.
Nicotine Patches
If you choose to use nicotine patches, start on your quit day. Apply the patch to a clean and dry area of skin located below the neck and above the waist, preferably where hair is minimal or absent. Nicotine will absorb consistently throughout the day. Replace the patch with a new one every morning, choosing a different spot each time. Gradually reduce patch strength over time, tapering off the usage over a few months.
How to get it
Purchase over the counter, or visit the South Dakota QuitLine to see if you’re eligible to receive NRT patches at no cost. Nicotine patches comes in a variety of types and doses.
Side effects
- Skin irritation
- Redness
- Rash
- Trouble sleeping
If the nicotine patches cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, rapid heartbeat or a rash that lasts longer than 4 days, stop use immediately and contact your health care provider.