Nicotine lozenges for giving up smoming

  These are the newest form of NRT on the market

Nicotine lozenges: These are the newest form of NRT on the market. The FDA recently approved the first nicotine-containing lozenge as an over-the-counter aid in smoking cessation. As with nicotine gum, the Commit lozenge is available in 2 strengths: 2 mg and 4 mg. Smokers determine which dose is appropriate based on how long after waking up they normally have their first cigarette.

The lozenge manufacturer recommends using it as part of a 12-week program. The recommended dose is one lozenge every 1-2 hours for 6 weeks, then one lozenge every 2-4 hours for weeks 7 to 9, and finally, one lozenge every 4-8 hours for weeks 10 to 12. In addition, the manufacturer recommends the following:

* Stop all tobacco use when beginning therapy with the lozenge.

* Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before using the lozenge. (Some beverages can reduce the effectiveness of the lozenge).

* Suck on the lozenge until it dissolves. Do not bite or chew it like a hard candy, and do not swallow it.

* Do not use more than 5 lozenges in 6 hours, or more than 20 lozenges total per day.

* Stop using the lozenge after 12 weeks. If you still feel you need to use the lozenge, talk to your doctor.

* Do not use the lozenge if you continue to smoke, chew tobacco, use snuff or any other product containing nicotine (e.g., nicotine patch or gum).

Possible side effects of the nicotine lozenge include:

* trouble sleeping
* nausea
* hiccups
* coughing
* heartburn
* headache
* flatulence (gas)

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