Nicotine gum

Nicotine gum is an infusion of nicotine, the primary addictive chemical in tobacco products, in a gum base. Nicotine is released into saliva when it is chewed and is absorbed through the blood vessels in the mouth and by the digestive tract. It is exclusively used to deal with the withdrawal symptoms from quitting cigarettes or other tobacco products.
The gum has side effects
*It tends to lead to dry skin
*It acts as a vasoconstrictor, raising blood pressure
*It can cause hiccups
*It puts users at risk for gum disease
*It can cause birth defects in pregnant women
Another product used to deal with nicotine withdrawal is the nicotine patch. Nicotine gum was originally only available by prescription, but is now available over-the-counter.
Michael Tritter was using nicotine gum in an attempt to quit smoking. He mistook the dry skin for the symptoms of an STD.
Nicotine gum at Wikipedia
Category:Pharmaceuticals