Quitting Smoking Using The Nasal Spray

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the nicotine nasal spray in March 1996, for sale by prescription only.

Some facts about nicotine nasal spray:

Nicotine Nasal Spray or Nicotrol NS is used to help smokers quit smoking.

Nicotine Nasal Spray or Nicotrol NS provides nicotine via the nose in order to maintain a smoker's nicotine blood levels. Smokers have a dependence upon nicotine and quitting suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms. The dependence varies depending upon the number of cigarettes smoked.
Nicotine Nasal Spray or Nicotrol NS is about as effective as nicotine patches in helping smokers quit, however it is absorbed faster and more similarly to the nicotine in cigarette smoke.

Nasal irritation, nose bleeds, watery eyes, and ear sensations are side effects that can occur with Nicotine Nasal Spray or Nicotrol NS. Dependence on the Nicotine Nasal Spray or Nicotrol NS may be a problem and its rate is estimated to be as high as one third to one half of smokers who use it to quit.

Smoking cessation with Nicotine Nasal Spray or Nicotrol NS requires behavioral modification as well. People must realize that they may need life style changes, support from family and friends, as well as will power to successfully quit smoking. During any change in behaviour effecting health care it is important to follow the advise of a qualified healthcare provider.

Nicotine Nasal Spray or Nicotrol NS may affect levels of drugs like theophylline in the body, however because it is a nasal spray, these interactions may not be common.