Learn About Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Exploring Other Quit Methods

No single quit smoking method is right for everyone. Learn more about quit smoking methods to decide which ones might be right for you.

Some quit smoking methods have been shown to be more effective than others. Some quit smoking methods are free, while others have a small or even large cost. Some quit smoking methods have side effects. Always read and follow the instructions on packages carefully.

Nicotine Patch (Nicoderm CQ®)

Placed on the skin to supply a small controlled amount of nicotine to the body.
Helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke.
Available over the counter; can be used the day you buy them.
For most people, no need to talk to a health care provider before using.

Nicotine Gum (Nicorette®)

Chewed to release nicotine that gets absorbed through tissue inside the mouth.
Helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke.
Available over the counter; can be used the day you buy it.
For most people, no need to talk to a health care provider before using.

Nicotine Lozenge (Nicorette®)

Looks like hard candy; placed in the mouth where it slowly dissolves, releasing nicotine.
Helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke.
Available over the counter; can be used the day you buy them.
For most people, no need to talk to a health care provider before using.

Nicotine Inhaler (Nicotrol® Inhaler)

Cartridge attached to a mouthpiece that delivers a specific amount of nicotine to the user with each puff.
Helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke.
Available only from your doctor.
You’ll need to schedule an appointment to get a prescription before you can use it to quit smoking.

Nicotine Nasal Spray (Nicotrol®)

Pump bottle inserted into the nose and sprayed to deliver a specific amount of nicotine to the user with each spray.
Helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke.
Available only from your doctor.
You’ll need to schedule an appointment to get a prescription before you can use it to quit smoking.

Varenicline (Chantix®)

Prescription medication (pills) that eases nicotine withdrawal symptoms and blocks effects of nicotine from cigarettes if the user starts smoking again.
Contains no nicotine.
Available only from your doctor.
You’ll need to schedule an appointment to get a prescription.
You’ll need to let the medication build up in your system before you can use it as a quit smoking method.

Bupropion SR (Wellbutrin® or Zyban®)

Prescription medication (pills) that helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke.
Contains no nicotine; can be used safely with nicotine replacement products.
Available only from your doctor.
You’ll need to schedule an appointment to get a prescription.
You’ll need to let the medication build up in your system before you can use it as a quit smoking method.

Combined Medications

Combining certain medications can be more effective than either medication by itself.
Nicotine patch may be combined with other nicotine replacement products (gum, nasal spray, inhaler) or with Bupropion SR pills.
Some medications are available over the counter, while others are available only from your doctor.

Hyponosis

State of deep concentration in which you are guided through some thoughts and feelings.
Aims to help people quit smoking by reducing the desire to smoke, increasing the will to quit, or helping to focus on quitting programs.
Available from a national board certified hypnotherapist.
You'll need to schedule an appointment before you can use hypnosis as a quit smoking method.
Little proof that hypnosis helps smokers quit successfully.

Laser Therapy

Low-intensity light beams used on certain parts of the body.
No proof that laser therapy helps smokers quit successfully.

Acupuncture

Needles are placed in certain parts of the body, including outside of the ear.
Aims to relieve discomfort from nicotine withdrawal.
Available from a licensed acupuncturist.
You’ll need to schedule an appointment before you can use acupuncture as a quit smoking method.
No proof that acupuncture helps smokers quit successfully.