treatment type: drug availability: over the counter (for 18 and over) treatment duration: 12 weeks dose: 2 mg or 4 mg lozenge, 1 lozenge/1-2 hours cost per day: $6.00-10.00 for comparison, calculate how much you currently spend on tobacco products per day
the bottom line
Nicotine lozenges are a form of nicotine relacement therapy that delivers nicotine through absorption in the mouth and gums and is available without a prescription. The manufacturer recommends using only one lozenge at a time and allowing some time between lozenges, as doing otherwise could cause side effects such as hiccups, heartburn, or nausea. Also, users should not consume more than 20 lozenges daily.
definition
The lozenge releases small amounts of nicotine that are absorbed through the lining of the mouth and gums. The lozenge has been available in Europe for many years and was approved by the FDA in 2002 for smoking cessation purposes.(30) The lozenges are available OTC (over the counter) in doses of 2 mg and 4 mg. The recommended lozenge dose is determined by how soon a smoker has a cigarette after waking up in the morning. For example, if a smoker smokes within 30 minutes after waking, the 4 mg is recommended. If it is longer than 30 minutes, the 2mg is recommended. Users should take 1 lozenge every 1-2 hours per day during the first 6 weeks, then every 2-4 hours in weeks 7 through 9, and finally every 4-8 hours for weeks 10 through 12. The cost is $39.95 for 72 lozenges.
explanation
The lozenges are available OTC (over the counter) in doses of 2 mg and 4 mg. Users should let the lozenge slowly dissolve in the mouth and may experience a warm or tingling sensation. Users should move the lozenge from one side of the mouth to the other until it has completely dissolved (approximately 20-30 minutes) and should not chew or swallow the lozenge. Users also should not eat or drink while using the lozenge, nor within 15 minutes before.
