Nicotine lozenges are the discreet cousin of nicotine gum: same short-acting nicotine, delivered by dissolving in the mouth rather than chewing.

Choose a lozenge over gum if you

  • have dentures, braces, or a temporomandibular disorder
  • get jaw ache or heartburn from gum
  • want a more discreet option (no visible chewing)
  • prefer a longer, slower nicotine curve

Dose and technique

  • 2 mg for light/moderate users, 4 mg for heavy disposable or Juul users.
  • Place between cheek and gum. Move it around every few minutes.
  • Do not chew or swallow whole.
  • Full dissolve in about 20-30 minutes (10 for mini lozenges).
  • Avoid acidic drinks 15 minutes before or during.

Timing

Typical first-two-weeks schedule: one lozenge every 1-2 hours while awake, up to about 20 per day. Taper down after week 4. Do not use more than one lozenge at a time.

Side effects

Heartburn, hiccups, mouth soreness — usually from dissolving too fast or swallowing.

Combining

Lozenges pair well with a 21 mg patch for combination NRT.