Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Using Nicotine Nasal Spray to Quit Smoking

Using Nicotine Nasal Spray to Quit Smoking Addiction Nicotine Use How to Quit Smoking Print Using Nicotine Nasal Spray to Quit Smoking By Terry Martin facebook twitter Terry Martin quit smoking after 26 years and is now an advocate for those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction. Learn about our editorial policy Terry Martin Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD on January 02, 2017 Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Sanja Jelic, MD Updated on June 24, 2019 BURGER/Getty Images More in Addiction Nicotine Use How to Quit Smoking After You Quit Nicotine Withdrawal Smoking-Related Diseases The Inside of Cigarettes Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Coping and Recovery Nicotine nasal spray is a medicine that reduces cravings to smoke when a measured dose of nicotine solution is sprayed into the nose. The spray is absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal mucous membrane. You need a prescription for nicotine nasal spray. Nicotine nasal spray and the nicotine inhaler are the two forms of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) that require  a doctors prescription and supervision. All other NRTs are available over-the-counter. Nicotine Nasal Spray Use Each dose consists of two spraysâ€"one spray per nostril. Your doctor will direct you on the specific amount and frequency of dosage thats right for you, but will likely suggest that you start with one or two doses per hour. Never use more than five doses per hour or 40 doses in a 24-hour period. Wash your hands and blow your nose to clear nasal passages. Before the first use, prime the pump on the bottle by pumping it into a paper towel until a fine mist appears. Discard the towel in the trash. Tilt your head back slightly and insert the tip of the bottle into your  nose, pointing it toward the back of the nose. Pump one spray into each nostril. Dont inhale, sniff or swallow while spraying. If your nose runs, sniff to keep the medicine in. Dont blow your nose for a few minutes after administering the dose. Repeat the process in the second nostril. If it has been more than a day since the last dose, prime the bottle as described above. Avoid priming too much though, as this might decrease the amount of medicine in the dose. The solution should only be used in the nose.  If it gets on your skin or in your eyes or ears, rinse well with water. In general, nicotine nasal spray therapy begins with an eight-week course at the dosage level your doctor prescribed initially. After that, your doctor may suggest reducing the amount used daily over the next four to six weeks until you wean off of it completely. Nicotine Nasal Spray Addiction Nicotine nasal spray can be habit-forming, so it is important to follow your doctors instructions for use carefully. In general, however, the amount of nicotine in NRTs is less than it would be in cigarettes and  is administered more slowly. The risk is reduced, but not zero. If you find that you are unable to stop using nicotine nasal spray at the end of the therapy period, inform your doctor and he/she will help you. Combining Nicotine Nasal Spray With  Another Quit Aid Occasionally, some ex-smokers have trouble stopping smoking by NRT alone. If you find that the nicotine nasal spray is not doing the trick for you, have a discussion with your doctor about whether it might be feasible to combine NRT with another non-nicotine quit aid like Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride). Side Effects of Nicotine Nasal Spray Therapy These are the most common side effects associated with nicotine nasal spray: hot, spicy feeling at the back of the nose or throatrunny nosesore throatcoughingsneezingwatering eyes In rare instances, side effects can be serious. If you experience a rapid heart rate while using nicotine nasal spray, seek medical attention immediately. Additionally, nicotine nasal spray can cause symptoms other than those listed above.  If you experience anything unusual while using this product, call your doctor. Why Its Important Not to Smoke When Using Nicotine Nasal Spray Do not smoke while using nicotine nasal spray  or you will run the risk of a nicotine overdose. Dont use any other nicotine-containing quit aid (nicotine patch,  gum,  lozenges  or inhaler) while using nicotine nasal spray. Signs of a nicotine overdose may include: dizzinessupset stomachbad headachesvomitingcold sweatsdroolingconfusionblurred visionhearing problemsweakness or fainting If you suspect youve had an overdose of nicotine, stop using the nicotine nasal spray and call your doctor immediately. Store Safely Out of Reach of Children and Pets Store the nasal spray bottles in a location where young children and pets cannot access it. The nicotine solution could be dangerous or even fatal if accidentally ingested. Do not store in a hot/humid location (like the bathroom). If there is leakage or a spray  bottle breaks, use rubber gloves to clean up the nicotine solution right away. Wipe the area with a cloth or paper towel and discard in the trash.  Wash the area several times to be sure all of the solution  has been removed. Discard empty spray bottles with the child-resistant cap on in the trash.  If you have unused full bottles that you need to discard, dont flush them down the toilet or throw away in  the trash. Contact your doctor or pharmacist about medicine take-back programs in your community. Before Starting Nicotine Nasal Spray Be sure to tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you: You are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or are breastfeeding.You are allergic to nicotine or any other prescription medicine.Youve had a heart attack, have angina, irregular heartbeat or heart disease.You have sinus problems and/or allergies.You have thyroid problems.You have  problems with circulation such as Buergers disease or Raynauds phenomena.You have high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease.You take insulin for diabetes.You have an ulcer. Symptoms of Nicotine Withdrawal Nicotine withdrawal  can cause a wide variety of physical symptoms that may  come as a surprise to new ex-smokers. From feelings of lethargy to suffering from an  inability to sleep,  indigestion  and developing  a new cough, the effects of stopping smoking can bring  out some unusual responses in our bodies. Nicotine nasal spray will take the edge off of the discomforts, but it probably wont eliminate nicotine withdrawal entirely. Be prepared by knowing what the symptoms are and also by  what  you can do to minimize them. Before You Stop Smoking Let your doctor know about any medications  you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter drugs.   Be sure to alert your doctor if you take any of the following medicines: acetaminophen (Tylenol)alpha blockers such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), tamsulosin (Flomax), and terazosin (Hytrin)beta blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), labetalol (Normodyne), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), and propranolol (Inderal); caffeine-containing medications (Esgic, Esgic Plus, Fioricet, NoDoz, Norgesic, others)cough and cold medications; imipramine (Tofranil); insulin; isoproterenol (Isuprel); oxazepam (Serax); pentazocine (Talacen, Talwin NX); and theophylline (TheoDur). Some  medications  are metabolized more quickly for smokers, so  when you stop, the dosage level might need to be adjusted. A Word From Verywell Nicotine nasal spray can be an effective quit aid when used as directed and combined with support and education about what to expect when you quit smoking. Dont think of nicotine nasal spray or any other quit aid as a magic bullet that will make smoking cessation easy. They can and will help a great deal, but only when you are resolved to do the work it takes to quit smoking. Take your quit program one simple day at a time and be patient with yourself. Healing from nicotine addiction takes as long as it takes. Theres no rushing the process. Stick with it, and the day will come when tobacco no longer controls your life.

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