Focus on Nicotine Nasal Spray

Nicotine replacement products are recommended by some doctors for some quitters. Nicotine nasal spray is one of the fastest acting of these therapies. In this edition of “Focus on…” We’ll talk about why you might and why you might not want to use nicotine nasal spray as part of your quitting plan.

Of all the nicotine replacement products, nasal spray delivers nicotine into your system the fastest, enabling you to feel temporary relief of some nicotine withdrawal symptoms. You may experience decreased appetite, relaxation and other symptoms similar to smoking a cigarette.

But these are where the “benefits” end. Nicotine nasal spray is considered an addictive substance by the FDA and is therefore only available with a prescription. The National Institutes of Health also warns of the possible addictive quality of the spray and recommend reducing the dose after about 8 weeks of use. They also say to follow your doctor’s recommended use schedule to help limit the possibility of dependence.

You must also be very careful about how you use the nicotine nasal spray. The NIH gives very direct instructions to not inhale, swallow or sniff while administering the spray. Many common prescription medications, such as alpha and beta blockers, and non-prescription medications, such as Tylenol, may interact with the spray as well, and this is by no means a complete list. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications, even over the counter medications, as well as any herbal products you use before using nicotine nasal spray.

While nicotine nasal spray may be recommended for some quitters, be sure you’ve tried other forms of help before, and along with, the therapy. The best way to quit is to design a plan of action that addresses all the emotional, physical and social reasons you smoke.