Nicotine spray side effects
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Side Effects of Nicotine Nasal Spray
Introduction to Nicotine Nasal Spray
Nicotine nasal spray is a form of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) designed to help individuals quit smoking by delivering nicotine rapidly through the nasal mucosa. While it can be effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms and aiding smoking cessation, it is associated with several side effects.
Common Irritant Side Effects
Nasal and Throat Irritation
One of the most frequently reported side effects of nicotine nasal spray is irritation of the nasal passages and throat. Users often experience symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal irritation, throat irritation, sneezing, and watering eyes, especially during the initial days of use 126. These irritant effects tend to decrease significantly within the first week of treatment .
Nasal Congestion and Changes in Smell and Taste
Nasal congestion and alterations in the sense of smell and taste are also common among users of nicotine nasal spray . These side effects can be bothersome but are generally not severe enough to warrant discontinuation of the spray.
Systemic Side Effects
Insomnia and Dry Mouth
Systemic side effects such as insomnia and dry mouth have been reported by users of nicotine nasal spray . These effects are typically mild to moderate in severity and can be managed with appropriate measures.
Shakiness and Allergic Reactions
Some users may experience shakiness and allergic reactions, including skin rashes, itching, and hives . Although these reactions are relatively rare, they can be more severe and may require medical attention.
Seizures
In very rare cases, nicotine nasal spray can cause seizures involving convulsions and loss of consciousness, occurring in approximately 1 in 1,000 users . This serious side effect necessitates immediate discontinuation of the spray and medical intervention.
Psychological and Subjective Effects
Craving Reduction and Mood Changes
Nicotine nasal spray has been shown to reduce cravings for cigarettes and alleviate withdrawal symptoms, which can contribute to its effectiveness in smoking cessation 25. However, it can also lead to mood changes, such as increased tension and jitteriness, and decreased relaxation .
Placebo Effects
Interestingly, the subjective effects of nicotine nasal spray can be influenced by users' beliefs about the nicotine content. Studies have shown that individuals who believe they are receiving nicotine report greater satisfaction and reduced cravings, even when the spray contains no nicotine .
Conclusion
Nicotine nasal spray is an effective tool for smoking cessation, offering rapid nicotine delivery and significant reduction in withdrawal symptoms. However, it is associated with a range of side effects, primarily involving nasal and throat irritation, systemic effects like insomnia and dry mouth, and rare but serious reactions such as seizures. Despite these side effects, many users continue to use the spray due to its efficacy in reducing cravings and supporting smoking cessation efforts.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Instructions about nicotine dose influence acute responses to nasal spray.
Instructions about nicotine content in nasal sprays can influence self-reported ratings and reduce cravings, but have limited effects on other drug response measures.
DOI
Evaluation of side effects after nicotine nasal spray in patients with chronic rhinitis.
Nicotine nasal spray is a short-term safe aid in smoking cessation for patients with chronic rhinitis, with irritant nasal side effects occurring most often in the early stages of treatment.
Effect of nicotine nasal spray on smoking cessation. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.
Nicotine nasal spray, combined with group treatment, is an effective aid to smoking cessation, with higher success rates for those with high nicotine tolerance.
Does nicotine do what we think it does? A meta-analytic review of the subjective effects of nicotine in nasal spray and intravenous studies with smokers and nonsmokers.
Nicotine increases vigor for smokers but increases fatigue for never-smokers, increases head rush for both, and increases drug high and liking in smokers, while decreasing relaxation and increasing tension/jitteriness in both groups.
DOI
Efficacy of a nicotine nasal spray in smoking cessation: a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.
Nicotine nasal spray is a safe, effective, and viable alternative treatment for smoking cessation, with success rates significantly enhanced compared to placebo.
Regional cerebral blood flow effects of nicotine in overnight abstinent smokers.
Nicotine has differing effects on regional brain blood flow in habitual smokers, increasing in the thalamus and reducing in limbic and paralimbic regions after overnight abstinence.
Mood, nicotine, and dose expectancy effects on acute responses to nicotine spray.
Nicotine spray formulation has little impact on some effects of nicotine and expectancies, but both actual and expected doses decrease cravings in smokers.
DOI