From the Guidelines
Nicotine pouches are not recommended for smoking cessation due to their potential for addiction and lack of established safety profiles, instead, FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapies like nicotine gum, patches, or lozenges should be used. When considering nicotine replacement therapies, it's essential to choose options with established safety profiles. Nicotine gum (2-4mg doses), patches (7-21mg/day), or lozenges (2-4mg) are better alternatives to nicotine pouches for smoking cessation 1. These medically approved alternatives provide controlled nicotine delivery while you work to overcome addiction. Some key points to consider when using nicotine replacement therapies include:
- Using a combination of NRT products, such as combining short-acting plus long-acting forms of NRT, has been found to be more effective than using a single form of NRT 1.
- Varenicline appears to be more effective than NRT or bupropion SR in some studies 1.
- Nicotine in any form affects the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and blood pressure, and long-term use maintains addiction pathways in the brain 1. If you're trying to quit tobacco, consider consulting a healthcare provider who can recommend appropriate cessation methods tailored to your specific needs. They can help you choose the best course of treatment and provide guidance on how to use nicotine replacement therapies effectively.
From the Research
Nicotine Pouches Overview
- Nicotine pouches are a relatively new class of tobacco products that contain a nicotine powder instead of tobacco leaves 2
- They are considered a potential harm reduction option for individuals who switch completely from conventional tobacco products to nicotine pouches 2
Effectiveness of Nicotine Pouches
- Research suggests that nicotine pouches may produce less harm to individual users than conventional tobacco products, such as moist snuff and cigarettes 2
- Nicotine pouches can acutely suppress nicotine/tobacco withdrawal symptoms among current cigarette smokers 2
- However, more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of nicotine pouches and their potential for dependence 2
Comparison to Other Smoking Cessation Methods
- Varenicline has been shown to be an effective treatment for smoking cessation, with some studies suggesting it is more effective than nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) 3, 4, 5
- Combination NRT and higher-dose NRT have not demonstrated consistent effects over other interventions, including varenicline 5
- Bupropion is also an effective treatment for smoking cessation, but its effectiveness may be improved with moderate counseling 3, 6
Future Research Directions
- Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine if established tobacco users would use nicotine pouches long-term 2
- More independent academic research is needed, as most nicotine pouch studies to date are tobacco industry-funded 2
- Future research should investigate the potential risks and benefits of nicotine pouches, including their appeal to youth and young adults, and their potential for dependence 2