Habitrol gum is an effective aid to combat the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms caused by giving up smoking.

Most people when giving up smoking, find between 8 and 12 pieces daily to be satisfactory. Do not use more than 25 pieces daily

Warning:
Habitrol gum is not suitable for children. Do not use this product if you have serious heart disease, are pregnant or breast feeding. Not to be used by non-smokers. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. Store below 25°C
Do not use more than 25 pieces daily

Dosage:
This product is designed to be chewed. Do not swallow. Chew one piece of gum when you feel the urge to smoke.

Habitrol chewing technique
1. Chew one piece of gum slowly until taste becomes strong.
2. Rest Habitrol between your gum and cheek.
3. Chew again when taste has faded.
4. Repeat chewing routine for about 30 minutes.

Ingredients:
Each piece: 2mg Nicotine. Contains artificial sweeteners

Habitrol Fruit Gum (nicotine gum) is a convenient and discreet way to curb nicotine cravings. The gum is used as-needed, either when temporarily unable to smoke or when trying to quit.

Habitrol gum is also available in mint flavor, and patches are also an option for those resolved to quit. Patches should not be used as-needed for temporary blocks to smoking.

The gum can be used in patients age 12 and up. The difference between use in children and adults age 18 and up is duration of treatment; adults can use the gum indefinitely, while those age 12 to 17 should not use it for more than 12 to 16 consecutive weeks. Habitrol Fruit Gum should not be used in patients under age 12 without explicit doctor permission.

Curbing Cravings

Two types of people use Habitrol gum; those who smoke but are sometimes unable to, and those who smoke but want to quit. In both cases nicotine withdrawal can produce very real physical withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Headache
• Sweating
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Increased appetite
• Restlessness

Habitrol Fruit Gum supplies the body with nicotine, largely resolving physical symptoms. There are, unfortunately, also psychological symptoms of withdrawal, which are more difficult to address. Patients using the gum as temporary measure---during a long flight, or during a long dinner in a non-smoking restaurant---can usually handle psychological withdrawal symptoms fairly easily, as the gum helps to a large extent and they know it's only temporary.

Those trying to quit may struggle more. A lot of smoking is simply habit, and patients may need to modify behavior to avoid being in situations in which one habitually smokes. There are a great many tips to be found online, and support groups can also help. Most important, however, is the desire to quit; Habitrol Fruit Gum is unlikely to be successful if the smoker isn't resolved to quit.

Treatment Overview

Habitrol Fruit Gum comes in two strengths. Which strength is chosen depends on how heavily the patient smokes:

• Patients who smoke fewer than 20 cigarettes per day should choose the 2 mg gum.
• Patients who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day should choose the 4 mg gum.

Patients attempting to quit will also need to chose which method to use:

• Stop smoking instantly, replacing all cigarettes with gum.
• Stop smoking gradually, replacing some cigarettes with gum.
• Stop smoking instantly, utilizing both low-dose patches and low-dose (2 mg) Habitrol Fruit Gum.

Which method works best depends on the patient and circumstances.

Regardless of the method chosen, using the gum is the same. When feeling the urge to smoke:

• Remove one gum from its packaging and chew it until the taste becomes strong.
• Once the taste is strong, settle the gum between the gums and cheek until the taste fades.
• When the taste fades, chew the gum again until the taste is strong, then return it to between the gums and cheek.
• Continue until chewing no longer produces a strong taste, usually about 30 minutes.
• Most patients use between 8 and 12 pieces per day of the 2 mg gum. Do not exceed 20 per day.
• Most patients use between 4 and 6 pieces per day of the 4 mg gum. Do not exceed 10 per day.
• If using patches as well, do not exceed 12 pieces of 2 mg gum per day.

Duration of use is also variable, depending largely on patient need:

• If using the gum daily for more than 9 months, consult a doctor.
• Some adults continue using the gum for years, even indefinitely.
• Patients age 12 to 17 should not exceed daily use beyond 12 weeks. If progress is being made but cravings still exist, use may extend to 16 weeks. Consult a doctor if cravings continue past 16 weeks.

While using the gum for years is not ideal, it is a lot safer than actually smoking; the combustion of smoking produces a number of unpleasant chemicals, not to mention the expense, smell, mess, and hassle of smoking.

Precautions & Side Effects

Patients who have moderate to severe cardiovascular issues should be careful with both quitting and nicotine replacement. Nicotine influences blood pressure, heart rate, and sometimes heart rhythm. While smoking is clearly bad for those with cardiovascular disease, abruptly quitting can also have serious consequences. These patients are advised to seek input from a doctor before quitting or using nicotine replacements.

In otherwise healthy adults, Habitrol Fruit Gum is unlikely to produce serious side effects.

Patients who use both patches and gum, or who use the gum and continue to smoke, are at somewhat of a risk of nicotine overdose, particularly when nicotine intake is not monitored. Warning signs include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Heart palpitations

If experiencing the above, stop using Habitrol Fruit Gum until speaking with a doctor.

Acidic drinks---including coffee and carbonated beverages---can reduce absorption of nicotine gum. Avoid such drinks for 15 minutes before and during use of Habitrol Fruit Gum.