One quit-smoking option is the smoking inhaler. Shaped like a cigarette, it comes with 42 cartridges, all of which provide 300 to 400 puffs each. These cartridges contain a combination of nicotine and menthol, with peak absorption of nicotine taking place 10 to 15 minutes after your initial puff. Educate yourself about this method before deciding if it's right for you.
Step 1
Consider the risks. Because the smoking inhaler contains nicotine, its use for certain people poses health risks that may outweigh its benefits. According to Drugs.com, this includes the following:
People with allergies to nicotine, menthol, certain foods, preservatives or dyes, women who are pregnant or nursing (the nicotine in the inhaler can adversely affect your unborn or newborn baby), and small children who may be able to reach the inhaler cartridges (these are toxic and are small enough to be a choking hazard).
Step 2
Visit your doctor. Once you're sure the inhaler is the cessation aid you want to use, get a prescription (it's only available this way). During your visit, tell your doctor about any medical problems you have; certain conditions can interact negatively with the nicotine. These include respiratory problems such as asthma, liver disease, overactive thyroid, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers and heart disease.
Step 3
Follow dosing instructions. Your doctor determines the dose of nicotine for your cartridges, which will be gradually reduced over 12 weeks. In the beginning, you are typically instructed to use six to 16 cartridges each day. Your doctor will decide when this amount is reduced. Initially, if you use less than two cartridges a day, your chances of success decrease.
Step 4
Open your cartridge. Once you open and insert the cartridge into your inhaler, it's only good for one day. It provides 300 to 400 puffs of nicotine, which is absorbed through the lining of the mouth and esophagus. Each puff contains 10 times less nicotine than a cigarette, and according to Quitsmokingsupport.com, you'll achieve the best results by taking frequent puffs in a 20-minute period.
Step 5
Know the precautions. According to Drugs.com, you can't smoke while using the smoking inhaler. This poses the risk of nicotine overdose. You should also stop using the smoking inhaler after six months due to the possibility of becoming addicted. Although the typical course of treatment is 12 weeks, your doctor may prescribe a second course to ensure your success.
Step 6
Join a support group, which is recommended while using the smoking inhaler. These help increase your chances of quitting success.
