Nicotine Gum Side Effects: Stories From Long Term Users
Most medicines cause side effects, but the hope is that the medicine will give you more positive relief from your problem than side effects. The best vapes make you feel like you are smoking a cigarette without any of the negative consequences, but it is still not 100% safe or without risks. Unfortunately, after reading a lot of personal stories and research studies, we don’t think this is the case when it comes to nicotine gum.
There have been many reports of side effects, both short and long-term, by nicotine gum users. They range from the bizarre (crazy dreams) to the very scary (hair loss, stomach ulcers). We’ve collected some information on some of the reported side effects of chewing nicotine gum.
Nausea and nightmares
Nicotine gum has been said to have caused nausea and uncomfortable stomach pains. ‘I actually smoked when I used the gum. A lot of the time I felt the need to throw up’ a 25-year-old entrepreneur claims. One of the main problems with the nicotine gum, he argues, is that there is far too much nicotine within it. This sends the body into shock and causes nausea. This is the body’s response when there are toxins in your bloodstream – you get a similar reaction if you drink too much alcohol.
‘The worse complaint I hear is people experiencing nightmares or strange dreams’. Says a male entrepreneur. He adds that he suffered from such problems himself whilst on the nicotine gum and this made it very difficult to sleep. Sleep deprivation can also cause a multitude of health problems in the future, which is why some people use vape oil pens to help them sleep.
Addiction and long-term use
The issue with nicotine is that it is incredibly addictive, and though supermarkets leave a warning on the product to not use for more than 12 weeks, some people become dependent on them for years. ‘I also personally know people who have used them [nicotine gum] for years and have experienced stomach problems, high blood pressure, borderline glaucoma and hair loss’ says a 67-year-old wife and mother. All these complications disappeared when they stopped using the gum.
She had been smoking for over thirty years and only managed to quit with the help of the nicotine patch and nicotine gum.
‘I have now been smoke-free for a decade, but not gum free. It took me years more to get over that addiction, and my experience is far from unique.’
Her personal struggle with fighting the addiction of the nicotine gum made it very difficult for her to come off of the nicotine replacement therapy. Compared to the nicotine patch (which we do recommend), the nicotine gum seemed to take a much larger toll on her health:
I threw out all my cigarettes one night and slapped the patch on. After four weeks on the patch, I decided to use nicotine gum instead, figuring that I would taper off even more on the gum till I was using no nicotine replacement at all.
It didn’t happen. Like any addict, I stopped counting how many pieces of gum I chewed. I kept buying my supply and ignoring the fact that it was taking more and more of the substance to satisfy me. I got so bad that I liked the taste and looked forward to my lozenges the way I had once enjoyed cigarettes. I told myself that it was OK to keep using my lozenges and gum because at least I wasn’t smoking.’
Various Other Health Problems
Nicotine gum also causes various other health issues that develop after long-term use. ‘I’ve been on the gum for about three years, after quitting smoking 20 years ago. My left eye has gotten worse and worse in the last few years and has resulted in my getting glasses and I’ve had four teeth pulled. I use up to 20 pieces of gum per day.’ says a 44-year-old musician. These health problems may not be connected to the gum, though most seem to appear once the gum is used as a long-term therapy.
Chewing nicotine gum can also cause complications on your skin and make it very uncomfortable and unattractive. A 58-year-old software engineer claims that a year ago he quit smoking and relied on nicotine gum instead: ‘My face had become horribly dry during the last year. At various times I would get pimples on my face which would leave scars – I now have 11. I now have reddish skin with white dots upon the rash.’ After visiting three different dermatologists, they could not determine what was causing such an outbreak.
Other lesser considered side effects are nicotine withdrawal when you stop using the nicotine gum. Symptoms include:
Anxiety
Headaches
Irritability
Weight gain
High Blood Sugar
Some diabetic patients who quit smoking because of its destructive effects which aggravate effects of diabetes were put on NRT. For some time that apparently helped, however, many people have complained of a rise in blood sugar levels with the consistent use of nicotine gums.
A 38-year-old veteran, who is also a diabetic patient, sent us an email with his concerns about nicotine gums, “I have presented compliance with my diabetes treatment; however, my FBS is constantly rising. Should I quit using nicotine gum as well? Because this is the only way I can help, restore better health.”
Psycho-Stimulation
The human body has nicotine receptors which act on nerves and muscle fibers, their main effect on the brain is that of excitation and in this way nicotine excites the brain and when such stimulation is continuous the brain cells start firing up abnormally. “I have become irritable, and I have started having panic attacks recently. When I was informed by my doctor that I was developing a lung infection, I switched from cigarettes to nicotine gum. Since then, I have been unable to concentrate on my work, and it has affected my memory as well,” says a 40-year-old journalist in one of his articles.
Hair Loss
This change has started giving anxiety attacks to the ladies all over the world with nicotine gum use. “My hair was gorgeous and thick before, even when I was smoking, yet ever since I have started chewing nicotine, my hair fall has increased ten times than the usual. I am anxious that I will go bald if I don’t stop using the gum. Can anyone suggest me some better alternatives than nicotine gum.” says a 31-year-old model in a TV interview.
Nicotine gum is an effective Nicotine Replacement Therapy, but it is not meant to be a long-term solution. It is best to try to wean off of nicotine so as to stop using the gum after 12 weeks from your quit day.
Wrapping Up
It’s not just your hair that can fall out. Nicotine gum can also damage your dental health over the long term. From TMJ from chewing too often, to the weakening of the mucous membrane that lines the mouth, there are side effects from long-term use.
Nicotine gum may seem like an easy and simple way of quitting smoking, and it’s definitely the most popular “nicotine replacement” product on the market. But we urge you to look at the side effects and horror stories and think before trying the gum. but there are other options that you can use which are arguably healthier. We particularly like nicotine patches and electronic cigarettes because of their lack of side effects and promising potential.
Ed
March 27, 2020 at 2:15 amThis whole article reads like total fake news. I’ve been using nicotine gum for years and never had any of those side effects. Regardless, it’s bad to be dependent on any stimulant in general for various other reasonsm, but this article seems bogus.
Jd
March 8, 2020 at 12:44 amThere is not a bit of scientific evidence to support a single word of this article. It reads like a series of imaginary conversations. You reference an article written by a journalist, but won’t identify the journalist or cite the article. Because this is completely made up.
KAVIN
February 28, 2020 at 8:16 ami used to smoke 40 to 50 cigarette a day then i came to know about nicotex gum which i am using from 2 years now and i am facing lot of oral dental and stomach problems till now ididnt knew it was because of gums but after reading the blog i felt like this gums is more addictive then cigarette
David
February 15, 2020 at 3:17 amI chewed Nucor
Jason
September 27, 2019 at 10:25 pmI’m 30, and i’ve smoked 2 packs a day for nearly 13 years. I’ve been using Nicotine gum since a month now. I only chew 3-4 pieces a day of 4mg gum. And use regular sugar-free gum, to help with those sudden nasty cravings.
I absolutely don’t feel addicted to the gum at all. Sometimes I happen to skip a dose, but it’s much more easier to get away with it than reaching out for a smoke. The problem with addiction to the gum, in my opinion, is that people consume it way too much. And forget that they shouldn’t chew it like it was regular gum or a candy. It is a medication, to help you cutting down, and eventually get rid off of smoking and, eventually, nicotine altogether. And you should treat it as such.
My advice to those who find it hard to quit the gum addiction is this: get busy. Get out, have a good long walk, exercise, find a hobby that will keep you distracted. And drink plenty of water.
Stay safe, please.
Supriyo
September 20, 2019 at 9:26 amIs there a way to know how many gums per day were being consumed by all the people mentioned in the article? The side effects mentioned are of course really bad, but if someone is taking, say 20 everyday, that’s a bit extreme. It’s similar to “Sugar causing obesity” Of course if you consume too much of anything, it’s going to be harmful. So what is the safe amount? Is 1 gum a day okay? I’ve been using it for about a week(as an alternative to caffeine, I wasn’t addicted to smoking) I don’t use it everyday, only when I really need to ward off sleep, and even then it doesn’t go beyond 2 in a single day.
bryan green
August 7, 2019 at 6:17 amit was informative but I agree vaping is not safe and I can say that because ive done it for several months and can feel my breathing getting worse. its not nearly as bad on the lungs as cigarettes but its bad trust me
Nick C
April 25, 2019 at 2:52 pmI quit smoking in August 2015 but it took a furthur 3 years before I managed to get off nicotine lozenges…I was sucking two 4mg at once all day then I got it down to one at a time…then one day in November 2018 I decided to quit them after gum and teeth issues…it was very tough coming off them I had disassociation and sleep issues…the one side effect I can say has definently got better is hair loss…there used to be hair all over my computer desk where it was coming out now that has stopped….
Marlene
August 30, 2018 at 4:55 pmJust had to quit the gum after 20 yrs of being addicted to the gum. I have sores on the inside of both cheeks. The biopsy showed buffalo oral mucosa. Not am treating with steroid. Please stop if you cand . What I have could go into cancer
A.
August 8, 2018 at 7:34 pmI’ve been using Nicoette gum every now and then when I tried to quit smoking, and when I try to reduce my smoking intake.. VERY ADDICTIVE. At some times I used to pop up a gum after smoking because the nicotine hit from the gum was stronger than smoking..
Anyway it caused me stomach problems and I have to see a doctor and took antibiotics and then decided to throw the gum and continue smoking!!
punit
May 28, 2018 at 1:59 pmI have been using nicotex for over like 4 yrs…its difficult to explain…but believe me all the above reviews are true..rigjt from.hair loss to gum and teeth oroblems
Gwyn
May 1, 2018 at 4:18 amHello…My name is Gwyn…and I am a nicotine gum addict…(there should be a 12 step program, for real. I have chewed nic gum for 2 years now. I have become a pro at peeling the little corner back to get to my nicotine treat. The side effect I have experienced is horrible dental problems…(in the process of getting dentures at this time, actually.
Ann
August 29, 2018 at 9:36 amI chewed the gum for years then developed terrible dental problems. I switched to lozengers and now I’m facing loss teeth and implants. Has anyone else had this problem.
Todd
March 13, 2019 at 3:56 pmLol – “I have become a pro at peeling the little corner back to get to my nicotine treat. ” I chewed for 9 years after quitting cigarettes. I have around 3 years off the gum. I found this page because I was craving one. Thank you all for the encouragement!
Thomas
April 15, 2018 at 9:20 pmI’ve been addicted to nicotine gum for 25 years I usually chew 3 4mg pieces at a time and I chew all day long. I just went cold turkey and quit 6 days ago. It is brutal. I haven’t had any of the side effects that people posted. Costco has the best deal as far as pieces, money ratio. Will keep you posted on my progress
R.Edwards
April 28, 2018 at 2:32 pmPlease let me know how it goes? Been on 4mg since 2010
Pam Keeling
December 29, 2017 at 12:08 amI have been addicted to nigotett gum since 2003. Very addicted. I have had dental issues. Tremors. Muscle weakness. I would tell anyone if you want to stop smoking your better off to go cold turkey. The gum addiction to me is worse than cigarette addiction. I pray one day I will throw this gum out the door. Easier said than done.
Ellen
December 13, 2017 at 7:06 pmMy mom has developed horrid issues on the skin of her arms, has terrible headaches, and is constantly sick on her stomach. What are your comments about headaches and the gum?
Beverly Reed
December 8, 2017 at 3:59 pmCan use of Nicorette gum cause hair loss?
Can Nicorette gum cause high hemoglobin blood results?
anneke andrew
December 2, 2017 at 4:49 amhave just read all above stories and I am starting to feel exactly as other people. I am now in my late sixties and very active , healthy and I look very good. I have been taking nicorettes 2mg for at least 10 years now and just cannot get off it. I panicked when once there was no stock in the stores. I am getting trembles, especially in the middle of the night. I wake up at 2.00 am, get my gum, read a book, because I am wide awake. My biggest issue is the trembling and not sleeping and I start to believe that it is caused by Nicorette. I tried normal gums, but it has no effect and will follow with a Nicorette. It really worries me and have now decided to stop if I can. If there is any advise out there, I would appreciate that.
Shayne
November 29, 2017 at 6:08 pmI’ve quit several times. This time it going to work lol. I chew nicotine gum. I recommend it. However there are things you should know. Nicotine is a stimulant to your digestive system. Chewing nicotine gum like a cow can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps. The gum is intended to be chewed a few times then parked in your mouth. Then chew again. Chewing nicotine gum like normal gum dis not recommended. The juices from the gum will cause stomach discomforts if you don’t follow the recommended procedures.
I have never heard not have I experienced nightmares from nicotine gum.
I started out chewing 4mg tablets and then I’ve dropped to 2mg tablets. My physician said that nicotine gum isn’t the best thing in the world to be chewing ;However it’s far better then smoking.
Jesse
September 11, 2018 at 6:03 amAny nicotine being absorbed constantly can cause vivid dreams and or horrible nightmares that you feel as if you are there. These are people who sleeo with the gum in which i have done before. Or forgot the oatch was on… those dreams are way more vivid. Its a trip i had to stop the patch all together because.of the nightmares.
Christine Senger
November 26, 2017 at 1:50 pmMy husband chewed the nicotine gum for years and chewed more than he should have per day. Now that he has stopped, it’s been about a month and he is so achy all over he can hardly sleep… not sure what he should do about it. Wonderoif loading up on vitamins can help him. He’s 66 years old!
R. Birch
November 21, 2017 at 2:13 amI am addicted to nicotine gum. Of course I wish I wasn’t but I think that the warnings regards their use are a little over the top. I’m 75 and have used it regularly for 7 years and do not recognize having any of the side effects you read about.
Mike
November 5, 2017 at 8:05 pmThis is like trump science, my neighbor’s daughter’s boyfriend’s aunt said that nicotine gum gave her herpes so you should put completely non fda approved chemicals into your lungs.
I think it’s pretty clear that vaping is safer than smoking cigarettes. Maybe they are correct that nicotine gum has adverse consequences such as described but when offering evidence to support an argument could you please use verifiable sources instead of random unprovable anecdotes?
Jesse
September 11, 2018 at 5:59 amYou lost me at “trump science”
Ben
May 1, 2019 at 4:36 pmI’m pretty sure Trump never said that. You must be a Fake News viewer.
Nicky
November 4, 2017 at 9:17 amI agree, Nicorette Gum is addictive. I have been using the gum for 12 months now and I am finding it incredibly difficult to give up.
I don’t however believe for one second that electronic cigarettes are healthier for you. For starters, they are not regulated and there is no evidence to say they are safe. Who knows what is in these little bottles of liquid vape you can buy at pound shops. E Cig shops constantly open up then vanish without a trace. Furthermore, I know people who use E Cigs and have been using them for 2 plus years. I don’t believe any nicotine replacement used for a long period of time is safe.