Quit Smoking Products

Quitting smoking is challenging because of nicotine addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Many people find that certain products can help reduce cravings and make it easier to quit. Various quit-smoking aids are available, and using them with counseling or support increases the likelihood of staying smoke-free.

Categories of Stop-smoking Aids

Quit-smoking aids generally fall into two main groups:

1. Nicotine Replacement Treatments (NRTs): These provide the body with a small, controlled amount of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke. You can find them in short-acting forms like gum, lozenges, and nasal sprays, as well as long-acting forms like patches.
2. Prescription Medications: These do not contain nicotine but help with cravings and withdrawal. Examples include a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor and a partial nicotinic receptor agonist, both of which are available by prescription in the U.S.

Many people use a combination of these products to improve their chances of quitting. Talking to a healthcare provider can help you find the best approach. While most quit-smoking aids are for adults, some healthcare professionals may suggest them for teenagers in certain situations.

Electronic cigarettes are not recommended as a standard quit-smoking aid. Health agencies have not approved them for quitting, and most people end up using both cigarettes and e-cigarettes instead of stopping completely.

Nicotine Skin Patches

Nicotine patches release nicotine through the skin over a full day. You apply each patch to a clean, dry, and hairless spot on your upper body such as the arm or chest. Replace the patch every 24 hours.

Advantages

• Available over the counter in several strengths.
• Easy to use—apply once daily.
• Help reduce cravings and ease withdrawal for up to a full day.
• Can be used alongside quick-relief products like gum or lozenges.

Disadvantages

• Cannot be adjusted quickly for sudden cravings.
• May cause skin irritation or rash.
• Possible side effects: stomach upset, trouble sleeping, or vivid dreams.

A simple guide for using nicotine patches:

Step	What to Do
Choose site	Pick a clean, hair-free place (upper arm or chest).
Apply patch	Put it on in the morning and change spot each day.
Remove patch	After 24 hours, take it off and use a new one.

Chewing Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum is a chewable product containing nicotine. As you chew, nicotine is released and absorbed through your mouth. The way you chew matters: bite it until you feel tingling, then rest it between your gum and cheek before chewing again.

Usage Tips

• Most people use 1-2 pieces every 1-2 hours as needed.
• Avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes before chewing.

Advantages

• Sold over the counter in two strengths.
• Gives quick relief from cravings.
• Can be used with other stop-smoking aids.

Disadvantages

• Requires frequent use throughout the day.
• May cause mouth irritation, jaw soreness, hiccups, or upset stomach.
• Not suitable for those with dental issues since it can stick to dental work.

Chewing Method Overview

1. Bite until you taste pepper or feel tingling.
2. Place between cheek and gum.
3. Chew again when the taste fades.
4. Repeat for about half an hour, then spit out.

Dissolvable Nicotine Tablets

Nicotine lozenges are small tablets that dissolve in the mouth. As they slowly melt, nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth. Move the lozenge from side to side as it dissolves, which usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Advantages

• Readily available without a prescription.
• Helpful for sudden cravings.
• Mini-lozenges act quicker for fast relief.
• No chewing, making them suitable for people with dental appliances.

Disadvantages

• Require frequent use throughout the day.
• Can cause mouth soreness, hiccups, or upset stomach.

General Guidance

• Follow product directions for how often to use.
• Avoid eating or drinking shortly before using a lozenge.

Nicotine Sprays for the Nose

Nicotine nasal spray delivers a small dose of nicotine directly into the nostrils, where your body quickly absorbs it. This can help with fast relief from strong cravings.

How It’s Used

• 1–2 squirts in each nostril, usually once an hour.
• Only available with a prescription.

Advantages

• Fastest-acting among nicotine replacement products.
• Lets you control your dose.

Disadvantages

• Must be used several times a day.
• May cause nasal irritation, runny nose, throat irritation, watery eyes, or sneezing.
• Not suitable for those with chronic nasal or sinus problems.

Important: Always read and follow the instructions provided with the spray for safest and best results.

Bupropion Tablets

Doctors sometimes prescribe bupropion to help people stop smoking.

How It Works

Bupropion changes brain chemicals linked to cravings and withdrawal, making it easier to quit. You usually start taking it one or two weeks before your quit date.

Advantages

• Easy to use—a pill taken twice daily.
• May help reduce weight gain after quitting.
• Can sometimes be combined with nicotine replacement therapy.

Disadvantages

• Prescription required.
• Possible side effects: dry mouth, trouble sleeping, headache, upset stomach, or dizziness.
• Not safe for those with a seizure disorder or certain mental health conditions.
• If mood or behavior changes, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Benefit	Details
Reduces withdrawal	Yes
Reduces cravings	Yes
Other use	Depression
Dose schedule	Twice per day

Varenicline

Doctors may prescribe varenicline to help people quit smoking. Varenicline acts on nicotine receptors in the brain, which reduces the pleasure from smoking and lessens cravings and withdrawal.

How to Use

Start taking the pill about a week or two before you quit smoking. It takes several days to become fully effective.

Advantages

• Directly targets brain receptors to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Reduces the “reward” feeling from nicotine if smoking occurs during treatment.

Disadvantages

• Prescription is needed.
• Can cause nausea, trouble sleeping, headaches, and in some cases, mood changes.
• Those with mental health concerns should talk to their doctor before use.

Looking for more support to stop smoking? Combining products like NRTs with behavioral help often works best. You can also use support lines, counseling, text-message support, and online help from trusted sites.

Types of Support

• Phone Quitlines: Free advice and encouragement.
• Text Programs: Daily tips and motivation.
• Counseling: One-on-one or group support.
• Apps and Digital Tools: Several programs and apps are designed to encourage and track progress.

Talking with a healthcare professional for guidance and support can help when you prepare to quit.

Quick Comparison of Popular Quit-Smoking Aids

Product	Form	Prescription Needed	Helps with Cravings?	Helps with Withdrawal?	Quick Craving Relief?
Nicotine Patch	Patch	No	Yes	Yes	No
Nicotine Gum	Chewable	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nicotine Lozenge	Dissolvable	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Nicotine Nasal Spray	Spray	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bupropion	Pill	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Varenicline	Pill	Yes	Yes	Yes	No