Ananova:

A Plymouth woman says she's become addicted to the nicotine inhaler she used to help her give up smoking.

Gail Fedrick, 46, quit her 30-a-day habit a year ago thanks to the inhaler, reports the Daily Mirror.

But now she is spending more on cartridges for the Nicorette Inhalator than she did on cigarettes.

And the mum-of-four has panic attacks unless she takes it with her at all times.

She said: "If the inhaler is not in my pocket I shake and panic. I am addicted to it now."

The instructions are to start with 12 nicotine cartridges a day then gradually reduce them.

But shop worker Gail, from Plymouth, is hooked on three cartridges a day, spending £40 a month - £8 more than she was spending on rolling tobacco.

Manufacturers Pfizer said: "When used as directed, there is a low dependence potential."