QUICK ANSWER
Nicotine gum is an over-the-counter nicotine replacement product that releases nicotine through the lining of your mouth to ease cravings and withdrawal while you quit. It comes in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths: the label says to use 4 mg if your first cigarette is within 30 minutes of waking and 2 mg otherwise, and to follow a 12-week schedule that tapers from one piece every 1 to 2 hours down to one every 4 to 8 hours, with no more than 24 pieces a day. You use it with the “chew and park” method, not like regular gum. The label is written for smokers; many people also use it to quit vaping, ideally with advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
Nicotine gum is a medicine, so it is used differently from regular gum.
What is nicotine gum?
Nicotine gum (nicotine polacrilex) is one of the FDA-approved, over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapies, along with patches and lozenges. Each piece holds 2 mg or 4 mg of nicotine bound to a resin. When you chew it, the nicotine is released and absorbed through the lining of your cheek, which takes the edge off cravings and withdrawal without smoke or vapor. The idea is to step your dose down over about 12 weeks until you no longer need it.
The CDC notes that the FDA has not approved any e-cigarette as a quit aid, and that researchers are still studying the best ways to quit vaping. It says quitting vaping is likely similar to quitting smoking, and recommends a quit plan with counseling, medication and support. That is why many vapers use nicotine gum or lozenges for cravings.
Which strength should you use?
How to use nicotine gum: chew and park
.1.Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes beforeAcidic drinks like coffee and soda reduce how much nicotine you absorb. Avoid eating or drinking while the piece is in your mouth too.
.2.Chew slowly until it tinglesA peppery taste or tingle means nicotine is being released.
.3.Park itStop chewing and park the piece between your cheek and gum.
.4.Chew again when the tingle fadesThen park again in a slightly different spot.
.5.Repeat for about 30 minutesThrow the piece away when most of the tingle is gone.
Chew until it tingles, then park it between your cheek and gum.
The 12-week nicotine gum schedule
If you get strong cravings, the label allows a second piece within the hour, but warns against chewing one piece after another. Do not use more than 24 pieces a day. If you feel you need the gum for longer than 12 weeks, talk to your health care provider.
Pieces per day on the label schedule (typical)
Typical counts based on a 16-hour waking day and the label intervals. Your exact count depends on cravings.
Best nicotine gum on Amazon
BEST VALUE
Amazon Basics Nicotine Gum (4 mg, Cinnamon)
Same active ingredient as Nicorette (nicotine polacrilex)
Coated pieces, also sold in 2 mg and other flavors
About 4.3 stars from 8,800+ ratings
BEST FLAVOR
Nicorette Fruit Chill (2 mg)
Brand-name gum with a fruity flavor
200-count box
About 4.6 stars from 1,400+ ratings
CLASSIC
Nicorette Original (2 mg)
The original, unflavored Nicorette
200-count box
About 4.3 stars
Store-brand gum such as Amazon Basics uses the same active ingredient and follows the same label directions as Nicorette, usually for much less money. Flavor and coating are the main differences.
Nicotine gum side effects
Hiccups, heartburn and nausea are the most common, usually from chewing too fast or using pieces back to back.
Mouth, throat or jaw soreness from the chewing. Stop and ask a doctor if mouth, teeth or jaw problems happen.
Signs of too much nicotine: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness or a rapid heartbeat. Stop using it and ask a doctor.
Ask a doctor first if you have heart disease, a recent heart attack, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure not controlled by medicine, stomach ulcers or diabetes, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Nicotine gum vs other quit aids
Many quit plans combine a patch for steady background nicotine with gum or lozenges for sudden cravings. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before combining products.
Pick a quit date and have your gum ready before it.
Free help to quit
Free coaching makes it more likely you will stay quit. In the US, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to reach trained quit coaches at no cost, or use one of the free text programs listed by the CDC.
Frequently asked questions
Does nicotine gum help you quit vaping?
Nicotine gum can ease the cravings and withdrawal that make quitting vaping hard. The label is written for smokers, and the CDC says the best ways to quit vaping are still being studied, so ask a doctor or pharmacist to help you choose a strength and plan.
Should I use 2 mg or 4 mg nicotine gum?
The label says 4 mg if your first cigarette is within 30 minutes of waking, and 2 mg if it is later. Many vapers use the same rule based on their first vape of the day.
How many pieces of nicotine gum can you have a day?
No more than 24 pieces a day. The label recommends at least 9 pieces a day in the first 6 weeks.
Is Amazon Basics nicotine gum the same as Nicorette?
It uses the same active ingredient, nicotine polacrilex, at the same 2 mg and 4 mg strengths, with the same directions. Flavor, coating and price are the main differences.
Can you drink coffee with nicotine gum?
Not right before or during. The label says not to eat or drink for 15 minutes before chewing or while chewing, because some drinks reduce nicotine absorption.