AboutMichael Dean Expertise Can answer
General information on tobacco addiction, and resources for quitting.
Information on current cancer research and the health effects of tobacco.
The risk of smoking for lung cancer and other cancers, as well as SIDS, heart disease, and vision loss.
The best place to start is 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Cannot answer
Specific medical questions
Experience Cancer Researcher for over 20 years
Author of the book "Empty Cribs-The impact of smoking on child health" www.artsciencepub.com.
Author of over 200 scientific articles on cancer, genetics and human disease.
Multiple interviews in print, TV and radio media.
Organizations American Association for Cancer Research
American Association of Human Genetics
Publications Scientific journals (Science, Nature, NE Journal Medicine, etc.)
Scientific American, Discovery Medicine, Nature Reviews in Cancer
Education/Credentials PhD. in Biochemistry from Boston University School of Medicine
Awards and Honors Young Investigator award-American Association of Cancer Research
Expert: Michael Dean Date: 10/12/2007 Subject: Lozenges
Question Hi, I managed to quit smoking for about 2 months using mint lozenges that dissolve slowly in the mouth. I was using significantly less than the stated dose, around three or four a day and had no cravings whatsoever. After a couple of months I developed what I thought was an ear infection causing a huge lump in front of my ear and half way across my cheek. My ear canal closed entirely, I could not hear a thing and it was extremely painful. My doctor prescribed antibiotics and eventually the "infection" went away.
Because of the pain I switched the lozenge from that side of my mouth to the other. Almost as soon as the swelling and pain went from one side of my face, it appeared on the other side where I had switched the lozenge to.
I thought that there may be a connection so I stopped them altogether and returned to five cigs a day. I left it maybe a month and tried it again. Almost instantly the pain returned together with a numbness on the side of my face where I was dissolving the lozenge. I've given up giving up because of the pain but I wondered whether you had heard of this sort of reaction before and if there is anything I can do to avoid it because the lozenges were very successful. I can't stand the gum and get an allergic reaction to the glue on the patches.
Any advice appreciated. Many thanks.
Answer Dear Michele,
I am sorry you are having so much trouble with the lozenges. I have not heard of the ear pain. It wounds like an allergic reaction to something in the lozenges, and not the nicotine itself. Ideally you should wean yourself off the lozenges after a few weeks.
I would suggest trying another way to quit.
There are of course many methods to quit.
You can try cold turkey. I'd suggest you read "The EasyWay to Quit Smoking" by Allen Carr. He explains how smoking has no positive benefit in your life and the many advantages of quitting. The book has been a best seller in Europe for many years, and you might find it useful. You should also call 1-800-QUIT-Now and find out about resources in your state. Some states provide free therapy and telephone quitlines, and these are useful.
There are a number of new drug therapies that are highly effective. Talk to your doctor about prescribing both Chantix and Zyban. Chantix is a new drug that blocks nicotine's action. Zyban helps in reducing anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. Pfizer provides an online counseling program along with Zyban.
