EFFECT OF NICOTINE VAPOR INHALATION ON THE RELIEF OF TOBACCO WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

Fifteen subjects participated in a randomised, placebo-controlled cros s-over study to assess the effect of a nicotine vapour inhaler on crav ing and other withdrawal symptoms during a two-day smelting-free perio d. Craving and withdrawal symptoms were rated nine times over the two- day period on 10 cm visual analogue scales. Plasma nicotine concentrat ions in the afternoon of each study day were determined. The results s how that active treatment was significantly superior to placebo in dec reasing craving and other withdrawal symptom scores. No difference was found between two inhalation techniques, one with shallow, frequent i nhalations (buccal technique), and the other with deep inhalations (pu lmonary technique). The average number of active nicotine vapour inhal ers and placebo inhalers used during the two-day sessions was 12 and 1 1, respectively. Afternoon plasma nicotine levels of approximately 7 n g/ml were obtained with both inhalation techniques. A strong correlati on was found between the afternoon plasma nicotine levels and craving, a high nicotine level being associated with a low craving score. The study has provided information about how to use the nicotine vapour in haler that could have important implications if it were to be approved for the treatment of tobacco dependence. The use of withdrawal sympto m reduction as a surrogate endpoint is discussed.