Using Inhalor?

[Huxlly]

Is it possible to get addicted to and/or high from an inhalor? And what are the effects of someone without asthma using an inhalor?

[choo_choo]

I'm assuming you are referring to a rescue (Albuterol) inhaler.

I agree with Victoireh...why would you want to use an inhaler if you don't have asthma?  There are no mood altering effects from it whatsoever...if you use it in prescribed doses, it makes you nervous, get hand tremors and maybe a headache.  And if you use excessive amounts, which I did when I was first diagnosed with asthma and was only given an Albuterol inhaler, it will make you feel awful...and I mean you'll feel like complete and total crap...muscle cramps, nervousness, hand tremors, heart palpitations, loss of appetite, inability to concentrate, altered sense of taste, difficulty sleeping, sweating, fluctuations in body temperature.  If it wasn't for the fact that it effectively stops my coughing and improves my breathing, I wouldn't touch the stuff.  

My treatment has since been adjusted to more appropriate medications, so I use Albuterol much more modestly.  But I don't like to use it because it compunds the side-effects of the long acting bronchodilator in my controller medication.  However, there are times when I need to use it.

Point of story...if you don't need it, don' use it.  On the other hand, if you've been prescribed and inhaler and are concerned about being addicted and/or high from it, that won't happen.  You cannot become addicted to Albuterol.  You will not become high from Albuterol.  In my opinion, the side-effects are unpleasant enough that you won't have the desire to use it excessively in the first place...you will only want to use it if you actually need it.  

[Victoireh]

The only thing you will get from using excessive amounts of the short acting inhaler is a lot of palpitations and shakiness of the hands, and perhaps a headache. I don't know why you would want to use one if you don't have asthma in the first place. It is a bronchodilator, which essentially widens the airways, nothing more. However if anyone who doesn't have asthma is using a steroid inhaler, that is highly not recommended.

Asthma inhalers should only be prescribed by a doctor and not given out without discretion. Medications are not candy and are used for treating actual conditions. There side effects to every drug, and that needs to be taken into consideration when treating disease and balance of the two should be sought.