Nicotine Lozenge Reviews: What These Products Can Do for You in 2022

Nicotine Lozenge
Kheng Guan Toh / Shutterstock

There are many ways to quit smoking, such as vaping, gums, and even the more extreme cold turkey method. Those who do not want to use these techniques or have tried them but were not successful may find these dissolvable tablets to be a viable alternative. They are easy to use and not hard to find since they are sold over the counter.

Table of Contents

  1. What Are Lozenges?
  2. What Kind of Brands and Strengths Can You Buy?
  3. How Effective Are They?
  4. Determining the Best Dosage
  5. What Are the Side Effects?
  6. Lozenges vs. Gum: Which Is Better?
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

  1. What Are Lozenges?
  2. What Kind of Brands and Strengths Can You Buy?
  3. How Effective Are They?
  4. Determining the Best Dosage
  5. What Are the Side Effects?
  6. Lozenges vs. Gum: Which Is Better?
  7. Frequently Asked Questions
  8. Final Thoughts

What Is a Nicotine Lozenge?

Nicotine excipients are found in various nasal sprays, patches and gums. A nicotine lozenge is a product used in smoking cessation therapy. They look like small tic-tacs and are available in flavors like fruit, mint, and cinnamon, and are placed in the mouth for half an hour so that they can absorb.

The nicotine enters the bloodstream and temporarily relieves cravings. People using these lozenges cannot smoke cigarettes while they are using them. If these products are used correctly, participants in smoking cessation therapy can significantly increase their chances of quitting smoking.

Nicotine excipients are found in various nasal sprays, patches and gums. A nicotine lozenge is a product used in smoking cessation therapy. They look like small tic-tacs and are available in flavors like fruit, mint, and cinnamon, and are placed in the mouth for half an hour so that they can absorb.

The nicotine enters the bloodstream and temporarily relieves cravings. People using these lozenges cannot smoke cigarettes while they are using them. If these products are used correctly, participants in smoking cessation therapy can significantly increase their chances of quitting smoking.

Nicotine Lozenge Brands and Strengths

There are several well-known brands for those interested in cessation therapy. The most common brands are Nicorette, including their mini lozenges and Commit. They are made by GlaxoSmithKline and usually contain two to four milligrams of nicotine.

Nicorette Brand Review

There are several well-known brands for those interested in cessation therapy. The most common brands are Nicorette, including their mini lozenges and Commit. They are made by GlaxoSmithKline and usually contain two to four milligrams of nicotine.

Nicorette Brand Review

Efficacy of Nicotine Lozenges

A study was undertaken by researchers at the University of Wisconsin in Madison to see how effective lozenges and gum were in helping people quit smoking.

The researchers found that the participants who used lozenges had a quit rate of 15.1 percent, which was nearly four percentage points higher than gum.

Additionally, successful quitters in the lozenge group were less likely to have gained weight than those in the gum group.

A study was undertaken by researchers at the University of Wisconsin in Madison to see how effective lozenges and gum were in helping people quit smoking.

The researchers found that the participants who used lozenges had a quit rate of 15.1 percent, which was nearly four percentage points higher than gum.

Additionally, successful quitters in the lozenge group were less likely to have gained weight than those in the gum group.

How to Use a Nicotine Lozenge

Lozenges are used by placing them in the mouth and letting them dissolve over half an hour. As stated earlier, the lozenge will dissolve, and the nicotine will enter the bloodstream to temporarily sate any cravings that might occur.

Remember not to chew or swallow them, and do not use more than one at a time. Users should not eat or drink anything for 15 minutes before using the lozenge or while it is in the mouth.

Also, users should not use more than five lozenges in six hours, nor should they use more than 20 over 24 hours. Generally, cessation therapy should last 12 weeks unless a doctor says otherwise. After 12 weeks is up, discontinue usage unless a doctor says otherwise.

Lozenges are used by placing them in the mouth and letting them dissolve over half an hour. As stated earlier, the lozenge will dissolve, and the nicotine will enter the bloodstream to temporarily sate any cravings that might occur.

Remember not to chew or swallow them, and do not use more than one at a time. Users should not eat or drink anything for 15 minutes before using the lozenge or while it is in the mouth.

Also, users should not use more than five lozenges in six hours, nor should they use more than 20 over 24 hours. Generally, cessation therapy should last 12 weeks unless a doctor says otherwise. After 12 weeks is up, discontinue usage unless a doctor says otherwise.

Nicotine Lozenge Dosages

Knowing the correct dosage to take can increase one’s chances of successfully quitting. If using after immediately waking up in the morning, take a 4 mg lozenge or a 2 mg if not immediately.

Nicotine Lozenge
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Use one lozenge every two hours for the first six weeks of therapy, one every two to four hours from weeks seven to nine, and one every four to eight hours starting from week ten and ending week twelve.

Knowing the correct dosage to take can increase one’s chances of successfully quitting. If using after immediately waking up in the morning, take a 4 mg lozenge or a 2 mg if not immediately.

Nicotine Lozenge
Keith Homan / Shutterstock

Use one lozenge every two hours for the first six weeks of therapy, one every two to four hours from weeks seven to nine, and one every four to eight hours starting from week ten and ending week twelve.

Nicotine Lozenge Side Effects

Side effects are usually mild, but they can include

  • Heartburn
  • Hiccups
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Sore throat

Serious side effects can occur on rare occasions. These include irregular heartbeat and palpitations, mouth sores, and severe throat irritation.

If any of these more severe symptoms occur, please stop using the product and seek medical assistance. An overdose can occur if too much nicotine is absorbed.

Symptoms of an overdose include

  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Impaired vision
  • Weakness

To avoid an overdose, take as directed by the instructions on the packet.

Side effects are usually mild, but they can include

  • Heartburn
  • Hiccups
  • Indigestion
  • Nausea
  • Sore throat

Serious side effects can occur on rare occasions. These include irregular heartbeat and palpitations, mouth sores, and severe throat irritation.

If any of these more severe symptoms occur, please stop using the product and seek medical assistance. An overdose can occur if too much nicotine is absorbed.

Symptoms of an overdose include

  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Impaired vision
  • Weakness

To avoid an overdose, take as directed by the instructions on the packet.

Nicotine Lozenge Warnings

People with certain health conditions or who are pregnant should not consume nicotine. Anyone with a health condition or who is pregnant should speak to a doctor before entering therapy.

Nicotine can aggravate health conditions like high blood pressure, angina, and other heart issues; it can also negatively impact the fetus.

People in smoking cessation should let their doctors know their entire medical history, including allergies, special dietary requirements, and other health issues or requirements.

Nicotine Lozenge Warnings

People with certain health conditions or who are pregnant should not consume nicotine. Anyone with a health condition or who is pregnant should speak to a doctor before entering therapy.

Nicotine can aggravate health conditions like high blood pressure, angina, and other heart issues; it can also negatively impact the fetus.

People in smoking cessation should let their doctors know their entire medical history, including allergies, special dietary requirements, and other health issues or requirements.

Nicotine Lozenge vs. Gum

According to the research mentioned above, lozenges were slightly more effective than gum in helping people to quit. Also, those who used lozenges were less likely to gain weight post-cessation than those who used gum.

However, success largely depends on the person who is quitting and how serious he or she is about achieving this goal. The best way to quit anything, whether it is smoking, drinking, or drugs, is with the support of family, friends, clergymen, and a doctor.

Nicotine chewing gum in blister pack
Fahroni/Shutterstock

Family, friends, and clergy can provide loving and friendly motivation and spiritual guidance, while a doctor can help develop a step-by-step plan that helps one reach the final goal.

According to the research mentioned above, lozenges were slightly more effective than gum in helping people to quit. Also, those who used lozenges were less likely to gain weight post-cessation than those who used gum.

However, success largely depends on the person who is quitting and how serious he or she is about achieving this goal. The best way to quit anything, whether it is smoking, drinking, or drugs, is with the support of family, friends, clergymen, and a doctor.

Nicotine chewing gum in blister pack
Fahroni/Shutterstock

Family, friends, and clergy can provide loving and friendly motivation and spiritual guidance, while a doctor can help develop a step-by-step plan that helps one reach the final goal.

The Pros and Cons of Nicotine Lozenges

There are several advantages to using lozenges.

First, the high 2 to 4 mg dosages make them ideal for both light and heavy smokers.

  1. They effectively relieve negative physical symptoms after quitting smoking.
  2. Additionally, they are simple to use and available over the counter.
  3. However, they need to be used in combination with other forms of nicotine replacement therapy, which can add to the cost of quitting.
  4. The cons is also that it can be tempting to overuse or misuse the lozenges.

There are several advantages to using lozenges.

First, the high 2 to 4 mg dosages make them ideal for both light and heavy smokers.

  1. They effectively relieve negative physical symptoms after quitting smoking.
  2. Additionally, they are simple to use and available over the counter.
  3. However, they need to be used in combination with other forms of nicotine replacement therapy, which can add to the cost of quitting.
  4. The cons is also that it can be tempting to overuse or misuse the lozenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to Buy a Nicotine Lozenge

Nicotine lozenges are over-the-counter, and they can be bought in most pharmacies. For example, Walgreens has cinnamon-flavored lozenges priced at $22.99.

Lozenges can also be bought at Walmart, Target, and local pharmacies. There should be no trouble finding these products, as they can be found almost anywhere over-the-counter medication is sold. As most of these stores have websites, these products can also be ordered online.

How Much Nicotine Is Absorbed from a Lozenge?

Not all of the nicotine will be absorbed once the lozenge dissolves.

  • For example, only 0.8 to 0.9 mg will be absorbed from a 2 mg lozenge.
  • 1.6 to 1.8 mg will be absorbed from a 4 mg lozenge.

Even though the total amount of nicotine is not absorbed, do not try to take more than is required.
How Many Nicotine Lozenges Can You Take in a Day?
Do not use more than five lozenges over six hours or more than 20 in a day. Doing so could increase one’s chances of having a nicotine overdose. Use these quit smoking aids only as directed by a doctor and the instructions on the packet.

How Long Does a Nicotine Lozenge Stay in Your System?

Nicotine can stay in the bloodstream for up to three days, depending on factors such as weight and metabolism.

However, just because it stays in the body for a few days does not mean someone will feel cravings less often. Cravings can pop up at any time, especially in situations when someone usually smokes, like when under stress.

To reduce the severity of these cravings, take the lozenges according to schedule. Also, have a plan to deal with cravings that does not involve using nicotine.

Can I Break a Lozenge in Half?

Cutting them in half may not have any ill effects on a person’s health, but it will reduce the amount of nicotine the body absorbs.

As a result, the body may not get enough nicotine to stop a craving. Do not cut them half; instead, take the lozenge as intended.

What Happens If You Accidentally Swallow a Nicotine Lozenge?

Swallowing a lozenge could induce nausea or an upset stomach. If swallowed, attempt to induce vomiting to bring the lozenge back up. If that does not work and more severe side effects besides an upset stomach occur, seek medical assistance.

Where to Buy a Nicotine Lozenge

Nicotine lozenges are over-the-counter, and they can be bought in most pharmacies. For example, Walgreens has cinnamon-flavored lozenges priced at $22.99.

Lozenges can also be bought at Walmart, Target, and local pharmacies. There should be no trouble finding these products, as they can be found almost anywhere over-the-counter medication is sold. As most of these stores have websites, these products can also be ordered online.

How Much Nicotine Is Absorbed from a Lozenge?

Not all of the nicotine will be absorbed once the lozenge dissolves.

  • For example, only 0.8 to 0.9 mg will be absorbed from a 2 mg lozenge.
  • 1.6 to 1.8 mg will be absorbed from a 4 mg lozenge.

Even though the total amount of nicotine is not absorbed, do not try to take more than is required.
How Many Nicotine Lozenges Can You Take in a Day?
Do not use more than five lozenges over six hours or more than 20 in a day. Doing so could increase one’s chances of having a nicotine overdose. Use these quit smoking aids only as directed by a doctor and the instructions on the packet.

How Long Does a Nicotine Lozenge Stay in Your System?

Nicotine can stay in the bloodstream for up to three days, depending on factors such as weight and metabolism.

However, just because it stays in the body for a few days does not mean someone will feel cravings less often. Cravings can pop up at any time, especially in situations when someone usually smokes, like when under stress.

To reduce the severity of these cravings, take the lozenges according to schedule. Also, have a plan to deal with cravings that does not involve using nicotine.

Can I Break a Lozenge in Half?

Cutting them in half may not have any ill effects on a person’s health, but it will reduce the amount of nicotine the body absorbs.

As a result, the body may not get enough nicotine to stop a craving. Do not cut them half; instead, take the lozenge as intended.

What Happens If You Accidentally Swallow a Nicotine Lozenge?

Swallowing a lozenge could induce nausea or an upset stomach. If swallowed, attempt to induce vomiting to bring the lozenge back up. If that does not work and more severe side effects besides an upset stomach occur, seek medical assistance.

Closing Thoughts About Nicotine Lozenges

Lozenges can be effective alternatives to those who do not want to use vapes, gums, or quit cold turkey. However, as the study cited earlier states, the quitting rate is low, and this method may be more challenging than other smoking cessation techniques.

Despite the difficulty, quitting is still possible, and success is more likely for those dedicated to achieving their goals. Remember, the best way to quit successfully is to plan and have a support network, no matter what therapy is used.

If you have successfully quit smoking or are in the middle of or just started smoking cessation therapy, please share your experience with fellow readers and us. We are particularly interested to know your thoughts on lozenges.

Lozenges can be effective alternatives to those who do not want to use vapes, gums, or quit cold turkey. However, as the study cited earlier states, the quitting rate is low, and this method may be more challenging than other smoking cessation techniques.

Despite the difficulty, quitting is still possible, and success is more likely for those dedicated to achieving their goals. Remember, the best way to quit successfully is to plan and have a support network, no matter what therapy is used.

If you have successfully quit smoking or are in the middle of or just started smoking cessation therapy, please share your experience with fellow readers and us. We are particularly interested to know your thoughts on lozenges.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Widely available
  • Higher success rate than gum
  • Discrete

Cons

  • Expensive

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Widely available
  • Higher success rate than gum
  • Discrete

Cons

  • Expensive

Published: September 5, 2021


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