Quitting smoking medicines

What are the medicines you can use?

Your doctor may prescribe varenicline (Chantix) or bupropion SR. These medicines can help you cope with cravings for tobacco. They are pills that don't contain nicotine.

You also can use nicotine replacement products. These do contain nicotine. There are many types.

• Gum and lozenges slowly release nicotine into your mouth.
• Patches stick to your skin. They slowly release nicotine into your bloodstream.
• An inhaler has a holder that contains nicotine. You breathe in a puff of nicotine vapor through your mouth and throat.
• Nasal spray releases a mist that contains nicotine.

What are key points about this decision?

• Using medicines can increase your chances of quitting smoking. They can ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Getting counseling along with using medicine can raise your chances of quitting even more.
• These nicotine replacement products have less nicotine than cigarettes. And by itself, nicotine is not nearly as harmful as smoking. The tars, carbon monoxide, and other toxic chemicals in tobacco cause the harmful effects.
• The side effects of nicotine replacement products depend on the type of product. For example, a patch can make your skin red and itchy. Medicines in pill form can make you sick to your stomach. They can also cause dry mouth and trouble sleeping. For most people, the side effects are not bad enough to make them stop using the products.

Why might you choose to use medicines to quit smoking?

• You have tried on your own to stop smoking, but you were not able to stop.
• You want to increase your chances of quitting smoking.
• You want to reduce your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• You feel the benefits of medicine outweigh the side effects.

Why might you choose not to use medicine?

• You want to try quitting on your own by stopping all at once ("cold turkey").
• You want to cut back slowly on the number of cigarettes you smoke.
• You do not like using medicine.
• You feel the side effects of medicines outweigh the benefits.
• You are worried about the cost of medicines.

Your decision

Thinking about the facts and your feelings can help you make a decision that is right for you. Be sure you understand the benefits and risks of your options, and think about what else you need to do before you make the decision.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medicines to help people quit using tobacco. The medicines that doctors most often suggest are:

• Nicotine replacement therapy.

  This includes nicotine gum, patches, lozenges, nasal spray, and inhalers. You can buy gum, patches, and lozenges without a prescription.

• Varenicline (Chantix).

  This prescription medicine helps withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It also reduces the pleasure you get from nicotine.

• Bupropion SR.

  This sustained-release prescription medicine reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

You won't have to take medicines forever—just for as long as it takes to help you quit. They increase your chances of quitting even if medicine is the only treatment you use to quit. Your chances are even better when you combine medicine and other quit strategies, such as counseling.

Your employer or health plan may help pay for medicines or for a quit-tobacco program.