Medications to Aid in Smoking Cessation

GETTING HELP TO QUIT SMOKING

There are seven FDA approved medications designed to aid in smoking cessation. These medicines use distinct mechanisms of action, and all of them have been proven to be both safe and effective for adult smokers.

The range of smoking cessation medications includes nicotine replacement therapies, such as the nicotine patch, lozenge, gum, oral inhaler, and nasal spray, along with prescription pill medications like varenicline and bupropion SR. Talk to your healthcare provider about which strategy will work best for you. If you are pregnant, check with your physician before starting any cessation program.

NICOTINE PATCHES come in several shapes and strengths. Just put one on in the morning and leave it all day. It will release a steady dose of nicotine to help with withdrawal symptoms. You can combine the patch with nicotine gum or lozenges to manage cravings.

NICOTINE LOZENGES come in different doses and look like hard candies. They are placed in the mouth between the gums and cheeks and can be used every 1-2 hours to control withdrawal symptoms.

NICOTINE GUM also comes in different strengths and is meant to be chewed a few times and then placed between your cheek and teeth. The nicotine is then absorbed through the mouth to help with withdrawal symptoms.

A NICOTINE ORAL INHALER, a plastic tube shaped like a fat cigarette, is meant to be puffed frequently using shallow puffs throughout the day. Like other nicotine products it is meant to control cravings, and most of the nicotine is absorbed in the throat, not reaching the lungs. You will likely need a prescription for this product.

NICOTINE NASAL SPRAY requires a prescription and is used throughout the day to control withdrawal symptoms. Generally, it is reserved for those with a severe nicotine addiction.

VARENICLINE, a pill with no nicotine, requires a prescription. The medication works by binding to nicotine receptors in the brain, blocking the mechanism for the reward (“high”) experienced with smoking.

BUPROPION SR is a prescription medication (a pill) that does not contain nicotine. It increases the ability of patients to abstain from smoking by lessening the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

For best results, these medicines should be used with a program that provides support like 1-800-quit-now. Check with your healthcare provider for a program that is right for you.

What about e-cigarettes or similar products? Research has not shown that these are effective in smoking cessation, and none are FDA approved for that purpose.

Some people quit without medications, but they usually develop worse cravings and withdrawal symptoms than those who use medicines. If you smoke more than a half pack a day, you are less likely to succeed without a medication aide.

For more information

Center for Disease Control Quit Now Campaign