What Are the Side Effects of Nicotine Lozenges?
Nicotine lozenges are an over-the-counter medication used as a nicotine replacement therapy. These lozenges are a smoking cessation aid in either 2mg or 4mg strengths that relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms. People who have their first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking may prefer the 4mg strength lozenges. Many common side effects are typical with the use of the nicotine lozenges.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common side effects that may occur with nicotine lozenges. If these are severe or bothersome, you may be using a 4mg lozenge, then may need to switch to the 2mg lozenge. If the nausea and vomiting are still persistent, speak with a physician about possibly switching to another nicotine replacement therapy.
Insomnia
Heath Side Effects to Nicotine Gum
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Insomnia or trouble sleeping may occur while using the nicotine lozenges. Less than 5 percent of people experience insomnia. Nicotine usually causes this side effect, so you may want to avoid sucking on the lozenges before going to sleep.
Changes in Behavior
Nicotine lozenges may cause changes in behavior that may be nicotine withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms occur because of the low dose of nicotine and include irritability, anxiety, restlessness, inability to concentrate, and mood changes. If you are on 2mg dose, ask your doctor if you should switch to the 4mg dose.
Headache and Lightheadedness
What Are the Dangers of Nicotine Lozenges?
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You may experience a headache while using nicotine lozenges. This may also be due to nicotine withdrawal but should subside as the body adjusts to lower levels of nicotine. Lightheadedness is a side effect that may occur if the dose is too high. You may need to switch from the 4mg dose to the 2mg dose if you experience lightheadedness.
- You may experience a headache while using nicotine lozenges.
- This may also be due to nicotine withdrawal but should subside as the body adjusts to lower levels of nicotine.
Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations, or a fast heart rate, may occur with nicotine lozenges. People with an irregular heart beat or severe chest pain should not use any form of nicotine replacement. Precaution should be taken in people with a history of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and those who had a heart attack. Seek advice from a health care professional before starting any over-the-counter medication to ensure that it is safe for you.
- Heart palpitations, or a fast heart rate, may occur with nicotine lozenges.
- Precaution should be taken in people with a history of high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and those who had a heart attack.
Other Side Effects
Hiccups, coughs and flatulence are also common side effects, and may be persistent and bothersome. Report any side effects to a physician and decide whether to switch to another medication. Heartburn is also typical with nicotine lozenges and must be reported to a physician. People with a history of peptic ulcer or esophagitis must use the nicotine lozenges with caution.
- Hiccups, coughs and flatulence are also common side effects, and may be persistent and bothersome.
- People with a history of peptic ulcer or esophagitis must use the nicotine lozenges with caution.
Related Articles
References
- "Drug Information Handbook 15th Edition"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2007
- MedlinePlus: Nicotine Lozenges
- The Cochrane Collection: Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Smoking Cessation (Review)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Smoking & Tobacco Use
- Wadgave U, Nagesh L. Nicotine Replacement Therapy: An Overview. Int J Health Sci (Qassim). 2016;10(3):425-35.
- Dautzenberg B, Nides M, Kienzler JL, Callens A. Pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy from randomized controlled trials of 1 and 2 mg nicotine bitartrate lozenges (Nicotinell). BMC Clin Pharmacol. 2007;7:11. doi:10.1186/1472-6904-7-11
- Sukhija M, Srivastava R, Kaushik A. Pharmacokinetic characterization of three novel 4-mg nicotine lozenges . Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2018;56(3):113-119. doi:10.5414/CP203097
- Baker TB, Piper ME, Mccarthy DE, et al. Time to first cigarette in the morning as an index of ability to quit smoking: implications for nicotine dependence. Nicotine Tob Res. 2007;9 Suppl 4:S555-70. doi:10.1080/14622200701673480
- Pack QR, Jorenby DE, Fiore MC, et al. A comparison of the nicotine lozenge and nicotine gum: an effectiveness randomized controlled trial. WMJ. 2008;107(5):237-43.
- Mills EJ, Wu P, Lockhart I, Wilson K, Ebbert JO. Adverse events associated with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation. A systematic review and meta-analysis of one hundred and twenty studies involving 177,390 individuals. Tob Induc Dis. 2010;8:8. doi:10.1186/1617-9625-8-8
- National Institutes of Health. Nicotine Lozenges. Updated July 15, 2016.
- GlaxoSmithKline. Frequently Asked Questions About Nicorette 2016.
- GlaxoSmithKline. Nicotine Lozenges 2016.
Writer Bio
Karla Casco began writing in 2010, focusing her work on diseases and treatments and their side effects. She has also created patient handouts, PowerPoint presentations and journal clubs. Karla has a doctorate in pharmacy from St. John's University and holds a pharmacy license for the state of New York.