Nicotine Gum
Nicotine gum is also available over the counter. The gum contains small amounts of nicotine, which are absorbed into the lining of the mouth. Though the product is called "gum," it is not chewed like regular chewing gum. After initial chewing to release the nicotine, the gum is then 'parked' between your cheek and gum so that the nicotine is absorbed in the mouth rather than swallowed from over-chewing. Some things to consider when using nicotine gum:

• Gum is convenient, flexible and delivers nicotine to the bloodstream faster than the patch.
• Users chew one to two pieces of gum per hour, never more than 20 per day.
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and other acidic beverages interfere with nicotine absorption, so cannot be used within fifteen minutes of chewing nicotine gum.
• Side effects from nicotine gum include upset stomach, mouth ulcers, hiccups and throat irritation.

Nicotine Inhaler
Nicotine inhalers are plastic, cigarette-shaped cylinders filled with nicotine cartridges. Inhalers are available by prescription only. Before asking your doctor for a prescription for a nicotine inhaler, consider the following:

• Dosage is flexible since users inhale on demand.
• Inhalers satisfy oral urges since it mimics the hand-to-mouth action of smoking.
• The nicotine vapor is absorbed in the mouth, not the lungs.
• Side effects include throat and mouth irritation since the inhaler must be used frequently to obtain satisfactory levels of nicotine.

Nicotine Lozenges
A new form of nicotine replacement therapy is now available over-the-counter as the Commit lozenge. This type of replacement therapy is used in the following ways:

• Lozenges come in two dosages, 2 and 4 milligrams, and are designed to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• The nicotine lozenges are taken for 12 weeks, and dosage is gradually reduced over this period as nicotine cravings subside.
• Lozenges are equally priced to nicotine gum and patches, roughly $25 per week.
• The dosage of nicotine in the lozenges is the same as that in nicotine gum, but approximately 25% more nicotine is released from the lozenge compared to the gum.
• If approved in the United States, the lozenges will be available by prescription only since a doctor determines which dosage is right for each individual.