A two-stage medicine delivery system provides an initial dose of medicine and
a
second dose of medicine. The initial and second doses are capable of achieving
a rapid pharmacological effect and a prolonged pharmacological effect, respectively.
The two-stage medicine delivery system preferably delivers a craving reduction
substance, in which case, the rapid and prolonged pharmacological effects include
a rapid and prolonged craving reduction. Preferably, the delivery system is a nicotine
delivery system which is provided in chewing gum form or lozenge form and which
provides the nicotine in a transmucosally absorbable form. The two-stage medicine
delivery system preferably releases a buffering agent which increases a pH level
in a user's mouth to facilitate absorption of the medicine when the delivery system
is placed in the user's mouth. A method of making the medicine delivery system
also is provided. The system and apparatus can be adapted to reduce cravings for
alcohol, food, drugs (e.g., cocaine, opiates and the like) and tobacco products,
especially tobacco products containing nicotine.
