treatment type: drug availability: prescription treatment duration: 12-24 weeks dose: 0.5 ml spray to each nostril, 8-40 doses/day cost per day: $5.00-15.00 for comparison, calculate how much you currently spend on tobacco products per day
Information about Nicotine Replacement Therapy on this website is based on data on adults only. The safety and efficacy of NRT for teens has not been sufficiently evaluated in order for the FDA to approve it for use for those under 18. However, clinical practice guidelines by the U.S. Public Health Service advise that physicians can consider prescribing NRT to those under 18 'when there is evidence of nicotine dependence and a desire to quit tobacco use.'(6) Before receiving a prescription for NRT, a teenager must be carefully evaluated by a doctor in order to determine whether they may benefit from using NRT, and whether the potential benefits of using it outweigh the potential risks.
Regardless of your age, it is always wise to consult a health care provider before beginning a smoking cessation program.
the bottom line
The major advantages of the nasal spray are that it can address sudden nicotine cravings within minutes of use and it provides higher levels of nicotine, allowing the user to "self-dose" as necessary. But there are some side effects associated with use of this product, including irritation of the nasal passage, sinuses, and throat; coughing; and sneezing. More than 75% of users report such side effects.(26) However, these side effects usually subside and become more tolerable over time, usually after the first week as users learn how to use the nasal spray correctly. People with severe asthma, allergies, or other reactive airway diseases should not use the nasal spray without discussing it with a physician.
Users should be aware that there is a slightly greater dependency potential for the nasal spray compared to the gum or patch -- 15-20% of patients reported using the spray for longer than recommended (6-12 months), and 5% used it at a dose that was higher than recommended.(6) Those concerned with ongoing addiction may want to consider other NRTs or other medications.
definition
The nicotine nasal spray is a spray pump containing aerosolized nicotine that is delivered into the nostrils and absorbed through the nasal membranes. This product was introduced in 1996 and is available by prescription in a quantity of 10 milliliters (ml). Each 0.05 ml spray delivers 0.5 mg of nicotine, and one dose consists of one spray to each nostril, for a total of 1 mg of nicotine.
Initially, one spray should be administered to each nostril once or twice per hour, or more frequently as needed, up to a maximum of 40 doses (40 mg) per day (or 5 doses per hour), for 6 to 8 weeks. The minimum recommended dosage is 8 doses per day for 3 to 6 months. Manufacturers suggest that for the optimum benefit from treatment, users should begin to taper doses after 3 months in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms. The average cost of the spray is $5.00 per day (average of 13 doses) and as much as $15.00 per day for maximum usage (40 doses), in addition to any doctor's or prescribing fee required.
explanation
The nicotine nasal spray delivers nicotine more rapidly than other NRTs do, thus making it attractive to highly dependent smokers. The spray can more than double long-term quit rates compared to placebo sprays.(6) The nicotine nasal spray is similar to over the counter decongestant nasal sprays. The spray should be administered with the head tilted slightly back, and users should not sniff, swallow, or inhale through the nose while the spray is administered.
