What is Nicorette Lozenges?
Nicorette lozenges are another form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), which is also used to reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, as well as lessen cravings to smoke. Like Nicorette gum, Nicorette lozenges are available in Canada as an over-the-counter medication.
How does Nicorette Lozenges work?
Nicorette lozenges function by releasing small amounts of nicotine into your mouth to be swallowed with your saliva and absorbed through your esophagus and stomach lining into your bloodstream.
By replacing a portion of the nicotine that your body is missing from not smoking, Nicorette lozenges in Canada make it easier to stop smoking.
In some cases, Nicorette nicotine lozenges may be used for temporary cessation of smoking needs, when you know you won’t be able to smoke for an extended period of time (i.e., flights, medical appointments, etc.).
What is Nicorette Lozenges used to treat?
How do you take Nicorette Lozenges?
Nicorette nicotine lozenges can be used the same way that you would use a cough lozenge. It’s important to note that the faster you consume the lozenge, the faster the nicotine will enter your body.
This can lead to surges of nicotine when chewed or swallowed, which can increase the chances of negative side effects occurring.
The best way to consume them is to keep them in your mouth and slowly suck on them, so that the nicotine is gradually released. It’s not recommended to chew or swallow Nicorette lozenges whole.
How long does Nicorette Lozenges last after you take it?
What are the common side effects of Nicorette Lozenges?
Although there are two different doses of Nicorette lozenges that you can order (2 mg and 4 mg), the potential Nicorette lozenge side effects remain largely the same.
For some people, Nicorette lozenges may cause mouth or throat irritation, but they’ll usually get used to this after using the lozenges a few times.
The potential other side effects of Nicorette lozenges, which could indicate an overdose from taking too many lozenges, include:
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Drooling
- Headache
- Hiccups
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cold sweats
- Dizziness
- Disturbed hearing and/or vision
- Mental confusion
- Severe weakness
- Fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
If any of these begin to become severe or start to impact your comfort, you should stop using Nicorette nicotine lozenges and speak to your practitioner about whether there’s another NRT that may work better for you.
Who shouldn't take Nicorette Lozenges?
People under the age of 18, as well as those who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t use Nicorette nicotine lozenges.
You should talk to your practitioner before requesting Felix for Nicorette lozenges in Canada, if you have/had:
- Heart problems
- Thyroid problems
- Stomach problems
- Stomach ulcer
- Esophagitis
- Throat, mouth, or dental problems
- Angina
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Tumour of the adrenal gland
- Circulatory disorders of the brain
They may be able to suggest other NRTs that would work for you in Canada, rather than Nicorette nicotine lozenges.
Further reading