A prospective study of off-label use of, abuse of, and dependence on nicotine inhaler.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence of off-label use of, abuse of, and dependence on prescription nicotine inhaler.


METHODS
Prospective telephone and internet interviews for six months.


METHODS
535 new inhaler users.


RESULTS
Structured interview about off-label use (that is, use of inhaler for non-cessation reasons or concurrent use of inhaler and cigarettes) and Diagnostic and statistical manual, fourth edition (DSM-IV) and International classification of diseases, 10th edition (ICD-10) criteria for abuse and dependence


RESULTS
Although many used inhaler and cigarettes concurrently at some time (43-55%), few used inhaler for non-cessation reasons (4-9%) and few persisted in off label use (8-16%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5% to 19%). No participant met ICD-10 criteria for harmful use/abuse (95% CI 0% to 3.3%). Eight subjects (1.4%) appeared to meet DSM-IV or ICD-10 criteria for dependence on inhaler, but none were found dependent in a clinical expert interview (95% CI 0% to 3.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
Although transient concurrent use of inhaler and cigarettes often occurs, use for non-cessation reasons, abuse and dependence are rare.
Hughes
J R
JR
Department of Psychiatry, Psychology & Family Practice, University of Vermont, 38 Fletcher Place, Burlington, VT 05401-1419, USA. john.hughes@uvm.edu
Adams
E H
EH
Franzon
M A
MA
Maguire
M K
MK
Guary
J
J
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology*
D009538:Nicotine
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