Nicotine Replacement Therapies: Spray

When it comes to quitting smoking, often the hardest part is dealing with the cravings and withdrawal symptoms. From insomnia to restless hands, headaches to mood swings, it can be hard to stick to it when you’re experiencing such a range of symptoms. For those looking to quit completely, Nicotine Replacement Therapy can help you to reach your goals.

What nicotine sprays are available?

When you cease smoking, the nicotine levels in your body will drop significantly, which causes the many withdrawal symptoms. This is when people turn to nicotine replacement therapies to help. The fast acting nature of nicotine sprays makes them a very popular option with those whose cravings are still quite strong, as they provide a pretty instant nicotine hit. Nicotine sprays are available in both mouth and nasal varieties:

Nicotine mouth spray

Nicotine spray works in the same way as a breath freshener, and normally starts to work within just 60 seconds. Nicotine is sprayed under the tongue or on the inside of your cheeks and, as it dissolves, the nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream through the mouth lining, helping to curb symptoms and cravings.

Nicotine nasal spray

Similarly, one of the strongest forms of NRT, nicotine nasal spray delivers the fastest dose of nicotine into your blood. This makes it hugely effective for those smokers who have a high dependence on nicotine. The nasal spray works much like a cold or flu medicine – the tip of the nozzle is inserted into the nose, where the liquid is pumped inside. Effective and quick, a nicotine dose is administered through the lining of the nose, where it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

Nicotine sprays are generally used over around 8 weeks, after which your doctor is likely to gradually decrease the dose until your need to smoke has disappeared. Please note that NRT is designed to be reduced as your cravings become more and more manageable, and use should gradually decrease over time.

For further information, or to find your local stop smoking clinic, give us a call today on 0800 612 0011 (free from landlines) or 0330 660 1166 (free from most mobiles).