A typical user might need to take one piece of gum every 1 to 2 hours in the first six weeks overcome the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. In weeks 7 to 9 they might reduce this to only one piece of Nicorette gum every 2 to 4 hours. In weeks 10 to 12 it may only require one piece of gum every 4 to 8 hours. Some people find that this sort of regular schedule for using the gum helps to lessen their nicotine withdrawal symptoms by maintaining adequate levels of nicotine in the bloodstream. After the 12 weeks, you could gradually reduce the amount of gum you take to 1 or 2 pieces a day until you feel confident enough to stop using it completely. Many people are able to stop using the gum after six months without fearing a return to smoking but some heavy smokers may need longer.

There is a great deal of flexibility in how you use Nicorette gum. If you feel yourself giving in to your smoking cravings then a piece of Nicorette gum will provide a convenient buffer between you and a return to the smoking habit. As long as you do not more than the recommended dose of 24 pieces of gum a day, then you can take it when you need it the most. The average dosage is about 8 to 12 pieces a day but how much you need to take to get relief from nicotine withdrawal depends on how much you used to smoke. Just like smoking, it may initially take time for someone to adjust their Nicorette gum usage to meet their individual needs. Nicorette gum is especially suited to those who smoke at irregular intervals or only at certain times during the day because they can treat their nicotine cravings when they occur.